A spirited group of Old Boys, spouses, friends and well-wishers gathered on Friday, October 20, at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge for a gala dinner to mark the 30th anniversary of the Kingston College Class of 1976. Some came from just around the corner in Mona, others traveled from up the road in rural Jamaica, while still others made the aerial trek from New York, New Jersey, and other distant parts of the metropole.
But no matter where they came from, the Fortis people enjoyed a night of intense conviviality, appropriately sprinkled with libations from refineries and distilleries of international repute. It was a happy night of reminiscence, respect and celebration.
Of course, at the appointed starting time, 7 p.m., the organizers were nervous. “Whey de man dem deh?” was the unspoken question across knitted brows. Really, though, the organizers, who included Carlton “Con” Francis, Bernard Jankee, Richard Dyche, Donovan “Granille” Dowie, Norman “Guttoo” Kerr, Sydney “Seedy” Wellington (chief computer organizer), Gordon “GB” Brown (head photographer) and Michael “Mikey T” Thompson (ranking DJ), had no cause to worry. The emptiness of 7 soon developed to the full flowering of 8 p.m., as about 100 were all gathered when the M.C. Stephen Vasciannie called business to order.
Then, de man dem just would not sit down; not having seen friends and comrades for years, many moved joyously from table to table simply trying to catch up on the latest developments.
Mr. Rupert Hemmings, Principal of Kingston College, brought greetings from the beloved alma mater, and reminded us of the value of contributing materially to the school. Mr. Hemmings’ predecessor, Mr. Wally Johnson, was the guest speaker for the function; and in a thought-provoking address that had some Old Boys almost rolling in the aisles, “Trafigura” Johnson analyzed the origins of purple and white exuberance. According to Mr. Johnson, it all began in the 1950s, at a time when KC prowess came to the fore – even amidst the class contradictions and social elitism among secondary schools characteristic of that period.
Fitzroy “Jagga” Cole – a poet from the Class of ’76 – then took us through some selections from his anthology. “Jagga” who entered the College in 1971, produced a roller coaster ride with poems touching on school days, infidelity, sadness, and boyhood pranks. Viva “Jagga” was a strong thought emanating from the members of the audience.
In the highpoint of the evening’s proceedings, presentations were made by members of the Class of ’76 to various teachers who have had a marked impact on our lives. Those honoured were: the aforementioned “Trafigura” Johnson, Mrs. Violet Thompson (History teacher from the 1970s), Ms. Sonia Serrant (of General Science fame), and former principal Canon Dr. John McNab (“fire burns wood but tempers steel”). Mrs. Thompson, who spoke on behalf of the honorees, reflected on various positive aspects of her years at the College, and gave us a moving tribute in song on the passage of time and the touch of nostalgia.
And then, the people wouldn’t go home. Messrs O’Sullivan, Antoine, Warner, Shirley, Vassell, Hamilton, Wedderburn and all the organizers were spotted catching up on old contacts. Delano Franklyn (the Senator), Michael “Agee” McGhie, Orville “Beckwa” Beckford, Henry “Leftist” Francis, Ian Scarlett, Bruce Polson, Joseph “Jolting Joe” McKinson, Michael “Riff Raff” Laidlaw, Howard Walters, Brian “Cardinal” Panton, Patrick Aldred, David “Wire” Jones, Ainsley Edwards, Calvin “Sala” Solomon, Clifford “CB” Brown (a North Street export), Kenneth Reeves (Atlanta) and John Murdock (unquestionably the fastest of the first form pace bowlers) were among those keeping the bartenders busy. Old Boys from other years – including Hugh Reid, Patrick Dallas, Vance Gardner, Calvert Thomas, Paul Ferguson, David Batts, Peter Leon and Eric Douglas – were also in the house. All these grown men were gathered, reflecting on Melbourne, North Street and life. It was a night to remember.
