When St Mary’s College Past Students’ Union stages its popular fund-raising event, Dining With The Saints, on June 27, patrons can expect an epicurean display of food of all descriptions.
Some 100 chefs, most of them alumni of the college, will be serving up a wide array of dishes. Now in its 16th year, Dining With The Saints is regarded as one of the best of this type of event in this country. It is famous for the quality of food available, fine wines, more than 30 types of exquisite desserts, a complimentary bar all evening and entertainment of a high quality. Unbelievably, all of this comes at a cost of just $350 per person.
Once again, a number of politicians from the various sides of the political divide will be coming out to raise funds for their alma mater. Ministers Vasant Bharath and Gerry Hadeed are definitely in, while word is awaited from Finance Minister Larry Howai. They will be seeking to outdo the likes of Colm Imbert, Terrence Deyalsingh and Mariano Browne, who will be supported by aspirants Stuart Young, Darryl Smith and Maxie Cuffie, all of whom have confirmed their participation.
As independent-minded as he is, Gary Griffith makes a return appearance at Dining With The Saints. Even retired lawmakers Gus Ramrekersingh and Ken Butcher will be making the trek back to CIC to participate in this culinary exposition. Although Faris Al-Rawi is not a CIC alumnus, he will show his hand in support of his son’s school.
As if his hands are not already full with maintaining his reputation as the most accurate pollster in T&T, Dr Nigel Henry will also be a chef, and interestingly, he will be cooking his dish on the spot. It follows that he will not have the time to share his latest predictions with those chefs anxious to know what he sees ahead.
The business community will be well represented by Doma’s Gregory Aboud, Michael Lau, George Janoura, Franco Siu-Chong, Stephen Young Sing, Howard Sabga, Andre Baptiste (d’Fearless One) and the Hadad brothers (Robert and John).
The bankers are not to be left out, whether retired or still practising their profession. Republic Bank bigwigs Nigel Baptiste, Derwin Howell and Ian De Souza will represent their organisation, with the latter coming in from Barbados specifically for the event and cooking his fish on spot.
Ian Chinapoo, head of the Unit Trust Corporation, will make his debut, while former Scotia Bank CEO, Richard Young, will have Gilbert Sankar and Martin De Gannes alongside him.
Colleges and Convents in the Port-of-Spain area will once more be making guest appearances at Dining With The Saints. Both St Joseph’s Convent and Holy Name Convent will again be in attendance, as will Fatima, QRC and Belmont (Belex). Joann Gomes leads St Joseph’s, Lisa Burkett leads Holy Name, Justice Malcolm Holdip and Keith Simpson will be co-leaders of the Fatima College contingent and Vance Gabriel the Belex team. Kenrick Harrinauth is in charge of the Royalians as they “do battle” against the Saints, their rivals of more than 150 years.
Republic Bank Exodus bossman Ainsworth Mohammed will be bringing along his regular posse of ex-panmen such as Nicky Inniss, Lawford Duprey, Roderick Ward and Dr Finbar Fletcher, former manager of Witco Desperadoes, along with pan aficionados Anthony Watkins, Tim Mooleedhar, Gregory Brathwaite and Martin Toney.
Dining With The Saints has built up a solid reputation as the cookout with the best desserts on offer. Some describe the Saints desserts as being irresistibly delicious. The standard set by the legendary Guy Chan Poon, who managed the desserts bar for some eight years, was maintained by Suzanne Clarke, and now Charlotte Bellemare has done likewise these past two years. She will again be in charge this year.
There will be tiramisu, assorted flavoured cheesecakes, rum trifle and a chocolate fountain with fruit. A new feature this year will be chocolate brownies and chocolate ice-cream, both made from a fine brand of local cocoa produced by House of Arendel of South Oropuche.
CIC is proud to say that pan music is an integral item in any function hosted by its Past Students’ Union. This is no surprise, given that the leadership of some of the top steel orchestras in T&T came from St Mary’s College. This year, the T&T Police Service Steel Orchestra will be appearing for the first time at Dining With The Saints and the band is anxious to showcase its very wide repertoire as it lays claim to being the best steel orchestra among those of the armed forces.
Black Sage, a master of the ‘extempo’ art form, is expected to be a big hit with patrons: he’s inviting them to select any topic, and he will spontaneously compose and sing a verse on that topic. The popular 3Canal group will also perform and DJ Crosby Sounds will provide DJ music.
Tickets for the event are available from Giselle Sankar at the CIC Past Students’ Office (624-8468); all members of the Management Committee of the Past Students’ Union including, John Allum (681-9534); Joe Hadad (680-3650); Brevard Nelson (683-8188); Trini Revellers Mas Camp (Enrico Rajah) at 745-4391; South Trinidad (Felix Montenegro) at 684-5839; East Trinidad (Gregg Mannette) at 280-7555; Central Trinidad (Louis Ramdhanie) at 725-2854 or 371-9193.
Secured parking is available at Atlantic Energy carpark at the top of Pembroke Street, with a free shuttle service to and from the college.