Richard ‘Richie’ Conybear’s life took a dramatic turn on May 26, 2023, when a boating accident during his swim near Booby Rock, Charlotteville, left him with severe injuries, including a broken pelvis and severed urinary tract. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Richie’s determination to reclaim his life and reconnect with the ocean became a beacon of resilience. His friend, John ‘Johnny’ Procope, played a pivotal role in his recovery, carrying him to the sea and reigniting his spirit. This act of compassion marked the beginning of Richie’s journey back to health and his passion for swimming. Johnny, a seasoned open-water swimmer, has since made headlines for his record-breaking feats, including a 60 km swim between Tobago and Trinidad in July 2024. On October 13, 2024, Johnny embarked on ‘Big Swim 2,’ an unprecedented attempt to circumnavigate Tobago, supported by friends like Richie and William Carr. The swim aimed to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation and swimming education initiatives. Despite the swim’s premature end due to strong currents, Johnny’s efforts have inspired global admiration and highlighted the potential for Tobago to become a hub for international open-water swimming events. However, the island must address critical safety concerns in marine activities to ensure sustainable tourism and prevent future accidents. Richie’s story and Johnny’s achievements underscore the power of human resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.
作者: admin
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‘Naps’ hold firm at SSFL’s top after beating QRC 2-0
Naparima College solidified their position at the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership standings with a commanding 2-0 victory over Queen’s Royal College (QRC) on October 18. The match, held at the QRC grounds in Port of Spain, showcased Naparima’s relentless pursuit of victory as they extended their unbeaten streak to nine games. Adasa Richardson opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a well-executed free kick, while an unfortunate own goal by QRC defender Xavier Caruth in the 82nd minute sealed the win for Naparima. Despite QRC’s persistent efforts, including a close attempt by Jahseem Pierre in the 87th minute, Naparima’s defense, led by goalkeeper Mikhail Clement, remained impenetrable. The victory propelled Naparima to 27 points, maintaining their lead in the 16-team league. In other SSFL matches, Fatima College suffered a surprising 3-2 loss to Signal Hill Secondary, while St Benedict’s College climbed to third place after a narrow 2-1 win over San Juan North. The league standings highlight Naparima’s dominance, with Fatima, St Benedict’s, and Presentation College San Fernando trailing behind.
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Ex-TT/Windies all-rounder Bernard Julien hailed a hero, mentor and national treasure
The cricketing world gathered to honor the life and legacy of Bernard Julien, the former West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder, at his funeral on October 18 at St Finbar’s RC Church in Diego Martin. Julien, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 75 after a prolonged health battle, was celebrated as a cricketing icon, mentor, and family man. His son, Bevon Julien, delivered a poignant eulogy, highlighting his father’s discipline, pride in his Carenage roots, and dedication to both cricket and family. Bevon shared anecdotes of his father’s legendary 121-run innings at Lord’s during his third Test match, a feat that remains etched in cricketing history. Julien’s contributions extended beyond the pitch, as he was known for his generosity and mentorship, including guiding young players like Michael Holding. Former teammates, including Deryck Murray, reminisced about Julien’s brilliance in the field, his ability to lift team morale, and his pivotal role in the West Indies’ 1975 Cricket World Cup victory. Dr. Nigel Camacho, president of Queen’s Park Cricket Club, praised Julien’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom, emphasizing his resilience, discipline, and dedication to nurturing future talent. Though his later years were marked by illness, Julien’s courage and humility remained unwavering. His legacy as a cricketing great and a beloved figure in Trinidad and Tobago continues to inspire generations.
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The woman on the dholak
Renoka Ramnath, a pioneering female dholak player from Trinidad, has defied gender norms to become a celebrated figure in the traditionally male-dominated world of Indian classical music. Born and raised in Carolina Village, Couva, Ramnath’s musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of her father, Pundit Sham Ramnath. Her fascination with rhythm was sparked by the legendary singer Ramdhanie Sharma, and by the age of nine, she was teaching herself to play the dholak using her grandfather’s drum. Her father’s unwavering support and the gift of her own dholak marked a turning point in her life. Over the years, Ramnath honed her craft under the mentorship of veteran drummer Ramesar Sookhai, mastering the intricate rhythms of Trinidadian classical Indian music. Her performances, which blend local Indian classical, chutney, and folk rhythms, have earned her the affectionate title of ‘The Queen of Local Classical Drumming.’ Despite facing challenges as a female musician, including unequal opportunities and pay, Ramnath has persevered, earning accolades such as the Dholak Icon Award in 2014. She has performed on both local and international stages, accompanied by her sister Davika, who also played dhantal and dholak. Today, Ramnath is a full-time musician, dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the dholak, which she describes as a ‘living link to our heritage.’ She hopes to inspire other women to keep the Indian musical tradition alive and continues to draw strength from the memory of her late parents and sister. Her message for Divali is one of peace, prosperity, and happiness, rooted in her deep faith and cultural pride.
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Danika Linton captures hearts at Republic Day awards
At just 19 years old, Danika Linton has already made a profound impact, not only through her advocacy but also by challenging societal perceptions of disability. Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a rare condition that limits joint movement, Linton has turned her challenges into opportunities to inspire others. Her recent appearance at the National Awards ceremony in St Ann’s, where she read the biography of an award recipient, showcased her eloquence and poise, leaving the audience in awe.





