Yeah I Wrote This!

Date: Thu, 1 May 2008
To:bestwordsmith@gmail.com

Smiles.
Thanks for clearing things up.  Certainly this issue must be of a personal matter.  Even though, the prospect of a poem, especially one written by a Bahamian, causing/sparking discord excited me.   Gone are the days in which poets excited revolutions.
 
Certainly, if such a poem existed, I would have been forced to seek out its writer; to sit in the company of his/her muse; to vicariously be included within this storm; to seethe within the turmoil.  But  alas, it seems to be only a family squabble: one unfortunately that has involved the police.  I wish those involved, G_d’s speed and a quick remedy.
 
I am familiar with Felix.  He lectured me once.  In fact, I likened him to the devil.  He had a strange glazed and unsavory look within his eyes that startled me; especially when he got excited about a topic.  His long graying beard reminded me of Ben Laden, (Mind you, he lectured me during the time of 911), subsequently anyone that resembled a Muslim at that time, to me was associated with the Taliban.  Needless to say, his lecture regarding the “war of the flea” did not help my opinion of him much.
 
And within that hot upstairs classroom, where no fan was allowed to cool, I often pictured myself in the depths of hell, or some heated, gutter neighborhood of purgatory.  For surely, this Felix man was the gatekeeper, and I was within this class for past transgressions.  Obie, I prayed often for salvation in that class.
 
Nevertheless, even though I do consider Felix an eccentric, I must say that he openly expressed high regards for this children/family.  Often he would bring them up fondly in classroom discussions.  For that alone, I am sure his acts, whatever they may be, were of the best intentions.
 
Regards,
 
Cecil.
 
Ps. I quickly scanned down, and realized again, that Cherese’s poems were being “evaluated” by the police.  Surely her work must be thought provoking.  Kindly assist me with getting a copy of one that is being evaluated.  I would love to write on/appreciate it.  Surely, if her ‘poems’ are simply thought provoking poems, and not one of them ‘ Columbine High School type chronicles’ which include potential loom and doom, Cherese should be proud that she spark so much drama.  Perhaps in the future, if this ends well, she will have a testament to share with us, those who strive to make a difference with our work.
 

Nassau, The Bahamas :  The Capital of the World!

Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 02:54:54 -0100
From: bestwordsmith@gmail.com

>
> My Dear friend Cecil,
> There is no particular poem, it is her entire oeuvre. I know Cherese’s
> work from hearing it. I’ve not ever seen it in print. She is a close
> friend of Xan-Xi Bethel, another young poet. Xan-Xi is the daughter of
> my friend, Felix Bethel. It seems Cherese sided with Xan-Xi in some
> conflict she’s having with her parents, and ended up in a stew. To
> what degree or exactly how, it is uncertain - unclear to me. Maybe you
> can research it to see if it actually has affected our poetry
> community or if it is just a personal family matter. Much much love.
>
> Xan-Xi, has asked me to cc her these responses - these exchanges.
>
> OBI.
http://bestwordsmith.blogspot.com/

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM, cecil newry wrote:

Obie,
Kindly share the poem that started the controversy.
Moreso, which Bethel ? I find this entertaining to say the least.

 Nassau, The Bahamas : The Capital of the World!
 ________________________________
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:35:48 -0100
From: bestwordsmith@gmail.com

My dear dear Cherese,
forgive my not having responded initially, upon receiving this note or
notice. Though I hadn’t responded by e-mailing back, I have been searching
heart and head for a solution. It is unclear though, what net has fallen
upon you, therefore what has to be done exactly, to free you of it, is
unclear.

Is this a censorship issue or what? In all my years of reading publicly, I’d
not encountered such a case - so is it? Is someone trying to put the lid on
creativity, trying to muzzle a poetic VOICE?

Were this clearly the case, we have a whole community of poets with voices
to appeal to, be certain that we are not made to hush before we’ve begun to
be heard widely enough. Certainly that would be a disservice to our
community, inarticulate as it is already. Your voice is one I’d not want it
or us to lose - as sweet and as forceful as it is.

What we’ve shared here, Cherese Pratt, one of my favorite poets, I shall
share, not only with Nadine, but with other poets, artists, intellectuals
among us, whom I love like I love you.

Our Wednesdays would be severely robbed without your voice, your verse. This
saddens me, absolutely, whatever is involved in or surrounds your situation.

OBI.
Obediah Michael Smith.
http://bestwordsmith.blogspot.com/

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 4:35 PM, cherese pratt
wrote:

I REGRET TO INFORM U DEAR OBIE THAT BECAUSE OF A HORRIFIC TALE TOLD BY THAT
GIANT PIMPLE MR. BETHEL I AM ALSO UNDER POLICE INVESTIGATION AND IT IS
HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT I WILL RETURN TO EXPRESS YOURSELF FOR A WHILE ….. A
LONG WHILE …. THEY HAVE SENT MY POEMS TO THE POLICE FOR EVALUATION OF MY
PSYCH SOOO…. I AM STRESSED PLEASE LET NADEEN KNOW I MAY NOT B BACK

Oh if I had a bigger stick, I wouldn’t have to talk,
as she would know the type of man I is,
simply by the way I does walk…

Oh to have a bigger stick, I would beat my woman’s stuff senseless,
So she could be hook on only my stick
and no longer yearn for other menzes.

In all things, one must give thanks!

Yes, we met again, those few of us who braved the torrential rain: to bond and to reminisce about old times. 

This, our third reunion exercise, brought out new faces with new, well placed and spellbinding chitchat. 

Again, we met in the upper room of Ricardo’s place at the Fish Fry, “Drifters Restaurant:” the place with the down home island flair;

and once more, we were treated well by Ricardo and his exceptional staff.  Thanks for hosting us “Fat Cat!”

That day, June 7^th, 2008 , a Saturday, it did rain; and not no drizzle rain either. 

But, them heavy, back breaking, ‘pocking’ type rain that does deter the bravest of men from venturing out. 

But the rain did not deter some.  I mean, it did make us late to arrive at our spot: dead late in fact, but we were there.   

There to celebrate life once again.

That being said, I would like to extend a shout out to Darvin Cartwright who came to the spot on time, ((poor soul)), yet did not see anyone. 

I guess we will have to hold another get together, reunion type thingy, just for you, to make things up. ((ahhh lord)). 

Also, I would like to extend another shout out to our intended “special guest” Ruth O’Reilly, who too braved the inclement weather to greet us,

however, missed us due to the same circumstance.  Sad, for so many wanted to see/talk with her too; perhaps next time.

So who all were there? 

Well, the married couples were out.  The newly weds, Ivan and Dominique Roberts were there, also Trevor and Nicole Tucker. 

Then there were the likes of Dominic Bain and his beautiful wife; Margo Stuart and even the diva Lakeisha Smith-Longley.  

Congratulations on your new job by the way Margo!  Tavares Bowleg came at about 11pm , just as we were about to go home,

(you know he wrong for that aye; sux teeth).  However, he was right in time, to let us know that he is doing well and that he is smiling still. 

Anyways, kudos to Charo Walker who after just returning home from ‘foreign’ that same evening, still ventured out to show her support. 

For the rest of the people them, you’ll will have to scan through the pics them.  Pics can also be seen on facebook,

for those of you who actually know what that is.

Highlights

It is good to know that someone remembered to bring their old year books.  We were able to flip through years ‘89 thru ’93;

however, our particular graduation year was missing.  Go figure!  But them old Beacons can tell a story dread. 

Who would have thought that jerry curls would have looked good on Alexandria Mullings and Dominique Brennen. 

And the inventor of the high top fade truly needs to be imprisoned:  that hair style truly sucked. 

Then, there were them big, goggled eyed glasses that everyone wore.  Truly styles do change.

Any of you all remember Yves Edwards?  He attended SAC with us up to either grade eight or nine. 

Yves, use to collect comic books with Tavares Bowleg them man: he was a small, skinny kid. 

Anyway, Yves gone big time; Yves is a reigning champion in Thugjitsu, some type of mix martial arts thing in the States. 

Who would have thought that them locker room fights would have prepared him for this type of fighting. 

 If ya have time, check the site out: http://www.thugjitsu.com.  That’s him on the front page. 

If you read between the lines, you can see that he even mentioned us at SAC…You will have to squint dead hard to see it though.  lol

Oh by the way, congratulation goes out to Tia Brennen-Rolle and her husband. 

At the last reunion, Tia was pleasingly plumped with child; we are pleased to announce that Tia had a beautiful baby boy, Nathan. 

We are very excited for her and her husband and hope to forward pics of the handsome fellow as soon as Tia makes them available.

Congratulation also goes out to our class president Ean Maura for his great news.

As usual, the night went by quickly.  In fact, we were one of the last to leave the shack. 

Another reunion get together is already in the making.  So those of you who missed this spectacular one, don’t fret, we all ga link soon.

There will be a steak out on Saturday, May 31st 2008 at the poolside, on SAC’s campus:   Proceeds will go towards the capital improvement of the campus. 
 
However, the question was raised on whether the Class of 1994 should participate in ANY of SAC’s sponsored event.  A number of fellow graduates were/are concerned about sponsoring an Administration which in truth, treated our class questionably.
 
Perhaps, this is an issue that needs to be addressed.  However, let’s not forget that 14 whole years have past by.  We are now men and women with children of our own who are at or near the age of admittance to our Alma Matter.  In truth, we have at least two graduates with children already attending the institution, and even moreso, currently SAC is still the better school to send ones children in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
 
So, to the question of should we attend?  Of course we should!  Every class will be represented in one way or the other.  The Class of 1994 have the right to attend, to participate, to change the status quo and to correct the wrong which we had endured in the past. 
 
It is true, that the Class of 1994 community is close knitted.  We are the only class that can brag that we routinely orchestrate reunion type events.  In deed, we have remained close mainly because of who we are and because of the experiences we all shared at St. Augustine’s College.  We are a proud bunch who continue to network with each other, in spite the odds.
 
On May 31st, 2008, an INDEPENDENT Alumni Association, (persons who graduated from SAC just like us), will be holding a fund raiser to better our Alma Matta.  If you are not busy and have a spare $10 dollars.  Better yet, if you just want to socialize with others who attended SAC while we were there, or if you just want to see one of two of your old favorite teachers, pass by and show the world that SAC class of 1994 is still the best class SAC ever had!
 
God bless!

Date: Thu, 1 May 2008
To:bestwordsmith@gmail.com

Smiles.
Thanks for clearing things up.  Certainly this issue must be of a personal matter.  Even though, the prospect of a poem, especially one written by a Bahamian, causing/sparking discord excited me.   Gone are the days in which poets excited revolutions.
 
Certainly, if such a poem existed, I would have been forced to seek out its writer; to sit in the company of his/her muse; to vicariously be included within this storm; to seethe within the turmoil.  But  alas, it seems to be only a family squabble: one unfortunately that has involved the police.  I wish those involved, G_d’s speed and a quick remedy.
 
I am familiar with Felix.  He lectured me once.  In fact, I likened him to the devil.  He had a strange glazed and unsavory look within his eyes that startled me; especially when he got excited about a topic.  His long graying beard reminded me of Ben Laden, (Mind you, he lectured me during the time of 911), subsequently anyone that resembled a Muslim at that time, to me was associated with the Taliban.  Needless to say, his lecture regarding the “war of the flea” did not help my opinion of him much.
 
And within that hot upstairs classroom, where no fan was allowed to cool, I often pictured myself in the depths of hell, or some heated, gutter neighborhood of purgatory.  For surely, this Felix man was the gatekeeper, and I was within this class for past transgressions.  Obie, I prayed often for salvation in that class.
 
Nevertheless, even though I do consider Felix an eccentric, I must say that he openly expressed high regards for this children/family.  Often he would bring them up fondly in classroom discussions.  For that alone, I am sure his acts, whatever they may be, were of the best intentions.
 
Regards,
 
Cecil.
 
Ps. I quickly scanned down, and realized again, that Cherese’s poems were being “evaluated” by the police.  Surely her work must be thought provoking.  Kindly assist me with getting a copy of one that is being evaluated.  I would love to write on/appreciate it.  Surely, if her ‘poems’ are simply thought provoking poems, and not one of them ‘ Columbine High School type chronicles’ which include potential loom and doom, Cherese should be proud that she spark so much drama.  Perhaps in the future, if this ends well, she will have a testament to share with us, those who strive to make a difference with our work.
 

Nassau, The Bahamas :  The Capital of the World!

>
> My Dear friend Cecil,
> There is no particular poem, it is her entire oeuvre. I know Cherese’s
> work from hearing it. I’ve not ever seen it in print. She is a close
> friend of Xan-Xi Bethel, another young poet. Xan-Xi is the daughter of
> my friend, Felix Bethel. It seems Cherese sided with Xan-Xi in some
> conflict she’s having with her parents, and ended up in a stew. To
> what degree or exactly how, it is uncertain - unclear to me. Maybe you
> can research it to see if it actually has affected our poetry
> community or if it is just a personal family matter. Much much love.
>
> Xan-Xi, has asked me to cc her these responses - these exchanges.
>
> OBI.
http://bestwordsmith.blogspot.com/

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 9:34 PM, cecil newry wrote:

OBI.
Obediah Michael Smith.
http://bestwordsmith.blogspot.com/

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 4:35 PM, cherese pratt
wrote:

I REGRET TO INFORM U DEAR OBIE THAT BECAUSE OF A HORRIFIC TALE TOLD BY THAT
GIANT PIMPLE MR. BETHEL I AM ALSO UNDER POLICE INVESTIGATION AND IT IS
HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT I WILL RETURN TO EXPRESS YOURSELF FOR A WHILE ….. A
LONG WHILE …. THEY HAVE SENT MY POEMS TO THE POLICE FOR EVALUATION OF MY
PSYCH SOOO…. I AM STRESSED PLEASE LET NADEEN KNOW I MAY NOT B BACK

It is always good to greet and to bond with old friends; to reminisce about the days of old and to celebrate the successes of the present… 

For those of you who unfortunately had missed out on our last reunion celebration on March 1^st 2008, you truly had missed out on a spectacular event.  Natives Restaurant at the Fish Fry was electrified with laughter and exuberance of the few who had gathered for our second Reunion celebration:  (The first being some four years ago at Sandals Resorts in July 2004).  Some may have said that we had the entire upper room of the two story, intricately decorated with island scenes restaurant to ourselves; totally usurping its huge fluffy couch, its corner island themed bar area and its big screened cable television. 

Natives Restaurant is truly a “Cheers” type eatery:  its ambience is exceptionally cozy and very appealing to the most discerning ‘limer’ who in fact craves the need to just hang, eat some good conch fritters, conch salad, drink a vita-malt or two and/or relax with some good old friends.  And to think we may have missed out on this extraordinary place, if it wasn’t for Ean Maura’s ‘as a matter of fact’ suggestion of supporting Fat Cat’s business.  Kudos to Ricardo ‘Fat Cat’ Williams for owning such well manicured and decent establishment.  It is truly a place to check out!

By the way Ricardo, thank you again for hosting us, especially since certain individuals, who shall remain nameless, had forgotten to inform you that our huge party was going to ‘crash’ your place that Saturday night.  But it’s all good, Ricardo welcomed us with open arms, and in fact, he kept the hors d’oeuvre flowing throughout the night. 

It was really good to see old faces.  Unfortunately, there were too many faces to name and too many exciting scenarios to explain, nonetheless, I would like to mention that Tia Brennen was beautifully rounded expecting her first.  In deed, she was the centre of attention as she beamed magnificently throughout the night.  We were all excited and happy for her and cannot wait to feature her bundle of joy within the upcoming months.  You go girl and best of luck! 

Nadia Curry was there too; it was odd not having her sister present, but she did represented them both.  Margo Stuart brought a field load of old pictures, (oddly enough some pictures of Melanie Davis’ college graduation were mixed up amongst them, but we enjoyed viewing them all the same.  Everyone knows ‘Chocolate’ loves up to take a picture).  Interestingly enough, it was amazing to see how so many of us still looked the same.  Who would have thought that Lavardo Sherman would have grown into his head, or that Gia Chisolm would have kept her infectious smile and big grin, or that Chanaki Whyms would have kept her figure after having children?  (By the way, these were grade eight pictures and sadly, I was not featured in any, I really wanted to see whether my complexion lightened up over the years, ah well).  Definitely, people need to bring more pictures at our next reunion event. 

It was also good to see Kiddo, who just recently migrated back home from New York after working at the Bahamian Embassy, for some odd years.  I am sure Kiddo can testify that it is better in the Bahamas !  No more frozen conch and fish for him, I guess.

But you know what was really good to see:  Old high school friends still maintaining their friendships.  Kenneth Ferguson was there skylarking with Jay Ambrister, Hillard Thompson was still hanging with Mark McCartney, Ean Maura and Elton Gibson is still maintaining their friendship, and even Norad Morgan and Melanie Hall was still cracking up, telling each other jokes in the corner.

In deed the night went by too quickly; but not before everyone caught up on the goings on about everyone.  Politics was passionately discussed, numerous social issues were addressed, and child rearing was even a topic.  (However, we have yet to agree as to why these chirren dem now days seem so violent).   All in all, this reunion was truly a grand event that was worth having, and I am happy to know that another one is already being planned, so if you missed out on this one, make an effort to attend the next, as we already are the talk of the town.  Who would have thought that the Class of 1994 which had so many social cliques would come together to celebrate life.  Oh yeah, big shout out to the diva Charo Walker, for getting the ball rolling!

Board of Directors
Pension Fund Office
Bahamas Hotel Industry Management Pension Fund
Hotel Center
SG Hambros Building

P.O. Box N 7799
Nassau , The Bahamas

Re: Blatant Disrespect and Flippant Disregard Regarding My Query Concerning My Entitled Pension Benefits

To Whom It May Concern:

My complaint is in regards to how I was recently treated on a telephone conversation, (January 15, 2008) concerning a query about my pension fund status.  I have never been so blatantly disrespected in my life as a paying customer.   In fact, this phone call left an utter distaste in my mouth as to why in fact, I am forced to deal with an institution that obviously does not care about their clients nor their concerns.

Regarding said telephone call, I strongly requested to speak to Michael Reckley, Secretary to the Board, of the Bahamas Hotel Industry Management Pension Fund, and in fact to whom my initial letter was addressed.  (Please note that I find that Mr. Reckley usually and purposefully screen his calls as to not speak with his clients).  However, when Mr. Reckley answered the phone and realized that I was just a client, I was rudely and abruptly shunned and transferred back to the reception desk, without him taking the time to listen to my concern.  Mr. Reckly’s tone was curt and brash in nature, subsequently, I took great offense, hence my letter of complaint.

To date I have yet to receive a satisfactory response to my query regarding the status of my pension fund.  The only response I have received was “we waiting on Kerzner,” whatever that means.  Nevertheless, this letter is written to let you know that I expect a written apology, better yet, a phone call from Mr. Michael Reckley, that is if he is not too busy to deal with clients’ queries.

Regards,

Mr. Cecil Newry

www.newrybahamas.com/family