Greenlight Network

Plastikeep People (new video)

2011-02-08T12:05:00.003-04:00

In this 5 minute feature, three families (mother & daughter, granny & grandson, mother & son) show us how & why they keep their plastics and dispose of them the Plastikeep way.

Help keep Trinidad and Tobago free of plastic. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Visit http://plastikeep.com for more information.

For the Season

2010-12-13T15:58:00.001-04:00

Greenlight music CD to raise funds for projects

2010-06-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Some of the handmade CD covers (courtesy local artists) - also on sale

Greenlight Network presents:
The Nature of Sound CD (Volume 1)

Only $50TT (local sales) $10US overseas sales (includes postage) All proceeds go to Greenlight's Environmental Project Fund
Ideal for birthday and Christmas gifts, gifts for friends abroad who want a taste of Trinidad, a gift to yourself - to add to your CD collection.

Songs are all 100% original, environmentally conscious lyrics and music created by some of your favourite local alternative artistes.

The Environmental Song – John Pollard
Do They Care? – Malik
Shades of Grey – Glenford Bhagat
Ask The Dust – Tie Dye Kitty
The Way We Live Our Lives – Anti Everything
Detrimental – Sheldon Manoo
Ruck So – Don’t Panic
Mother Nature’s Warning – 5 O’Clock Shadow
Luv Shotz – Ozy Majik
In This Garden – Elspeth Duncan
Mantra – Navid Lancaster
Kalau Nasty – Rahil Babooram
Who Shot Paradise? – Jointpop
Supreme Creator – Mark Ng Wai

Please contact:
Elspeth @ 786-2539
Victor @ 314-4265
if you are interested in purchasing:
(a) a copy or copies for yourself or others
(b) copies to resell in your own store and make a profit for your own cause
(c) copies to give as a gift to your customers or as part of your nature tour package

Thank you for your interest.

Elspeth
On behalf of Greenlight Network
--
Greenlight Network: Healing our inner and outer environments
http://greenlightnetwork.blogspot.com

What to do with your plastics on 27 June 2010 and beyond

2010-06-25T09:35:00.003-04:00

Dear All,

Please note that Recycling in Motion will be accepting plastics collected during Trinidad & Tobago's national clean up on 27 June.

Please bring all plastic to R.I.M. at 6 Maingot Road, Champs Fleurs
Sunday 27th June from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Weekdays at regular business hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Kindly put plastics into clear plastic bags, available from Rotoplastics; 674-8265 or Rope Works in Arima 642-1575. If for some reason you cannot acquire clear garbage bags in time for Sunday and must use regular black garbage bags, please ensure that they contain ONLY plastic and no other waste material.

Recycling in Motion accepts plastics 1 - 7 (including plastic shopping bags, styrofoam cups and plates, bottles for cleaning products, shampoo, yoghurt containers, toothpaste and cosmetic tubes, oven-ready meal trays, etc).

Recycling in Motion:
1. See map for directions
2. Telephone: 789-7945

Please circulate this as widely as possible via email, Facebook and your other social media networks, so that those involved in the clean up know of this option. This way we avoid the plastics going into the landfill.

Thank you.

Guide to collecting plastic for recycling

2010-05-26T09:52:00.005-04:00

Those living in Diego Martin are in the target area for our plastic recovery pilot project, Plastikeep. We have set up Plastikeep bins in specific locations so that you can deposit plastics collected at home. For more information on locations and the collection process, please contact Plastikeep's Project Manager Rosanna Farmer at 384-2079 or email info@plastikeep.com

For those who live East and South of POS, please read below.

PREPARE YOUR PLASTICS FOR COLLECTION
WHAT TO DO

1. KEEP YOUR PLASTIC OUT OF YOUR REGULAR GARBAGE

Plastic bottles, plastic containers, plates, utensils and even plastic shopping bags can be recycled. Use a clear garbage bag (available from Rotoplastics; 674-8265), other transparent bag or a container of your choice to collect plastics separately from your other household waste.

2. REMOVE CAPS AND COVERS

A bottle and its cap are made of different types of plastic. Your separation of caps from bottles saves processing time at the plastic sorting facility.

3. RINSE

A quick rinse of your plastics to remove remainders of food helps to prevent germ and pest infestation. Dirty plastic cannot be processed, and will end up at the dump.

4. CRUSH

Please help increase the efficiency of waste collection by crushing bottles and containers before disposal. Bins will hold four times more crushed than uncrushed containers.

5. BRING IT

***

FOR THOSE LIVING EAST OF POS
Please take your plastics to RECYCLING IN MOTION- 6 Maingot Street, Champs Fleurs (call for details and directions: 678-6786). OR if you have a large volume of plastic bags (e.g. you and your neighbours have been collecting), call RIM and they will collect.

N.B. They will only collect plastics stored in the clear garbage bags. They need to ensure that only plastics are contained in the bags.

THOSE LIVING SOUTH OF POS
Please contact Piranha Plastics for collection and details on the kinds of plastic they collect.

Please help to educate by spreading this information to your friends, co-workers, neighbourhood schools and businesses.

Logo and launch for Plastikeep

2010-05-11T16:15:00.002-04:00

Introducing the official logo of Plastikeep, the plastic recovery pilot project for which Greenlight Network received financial support from the Green Fund in March 2010. Inherent in the logo is the power of communities coming together to ensure that our plastic waste is properly and continually disposed of for recycling purposes.

Plastikeep will officially be launched on Thursday 13th May at the Hyatt Regency. Under the guidance of Project Manager Rosanna Farmer and her team, the project will educate and encourage residents, schools and businesses in the Diego Martin area on adequate methods of collecting their plastic waste in specially provided clear plastic bags. These bags will be deposited in strategically placed Plastikeep bins, collected twice weekly by Plastikeep trucks and transported to a plastic sorting facility to be chipped and/or crushed and exported for recycling.

The entire collection process will be monitored so that we can be accountable for the project's outcome.

Food Security in T & T - a national priority

2010-04-18T06:17:00.004-04:00

Winner of the IICA/CARDI Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award (2009) for TV/Video.
Theme: Achieving food security in Trinidad and Tobago - a national priority.
Video: Elspeth Duncan
Featured School: The University School, St. Augustine

At the age of six, the students of Prep at the University School are already ensuring their food security. Under the guidance of Vice Principal/Class Teacher, Ms Crooks, these small farmers grow huge, healthy organic vegetables in their school garden.

Important: How to care for an injured baby bird

2010-03-31T06:02:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, the baby dove in the above image came to me looking sickly, and died in my hands a few minutes later. I wrote to Detta Buch (Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre - WORC) and told her about it. She is currently out of the country and sent a detailed email. Please read it (below). It is educational and easy to understand. At some point or another most of us come across baby birds that fall from their nests or are victims of attack or illness. It is very rewarding to nurse an injured animal back to health ... especially a bird, to see it fly off.

From Detta's email:
When you find a baby bird ( any bird) pick it up gently but securely and examine it for any wounds, broken legs, etc. Gently turning it over in the palm of your hand so that the chest is facing you (you can keep your hand in such a position that the bird is still vertical) ease out each wing at right angles to the body, checking the bones of the wing. They are in the same arrangement as your arm. From the inside view any breaks or punctures are easily visible.

In this case there may not have been anything you could have done . The pussy eyes may suggest an infection or pox contracted from pigeons. This would also have caused the swollen nares.

The pigeon pox is a virus and highly contagious to doves and certain other native birds. This is the reason I don't take in pigeons unless they have a pigeon club band. I have another resource person who handles them.

You could give simple triage easily. Keep some supplies in the house: peroxide, Q-Tips, cotton wool, iodine and children's Painol. Mix a small quantity of Peroxide and h2o (half &half) and using Q-tips or cotton wool, completely clean the wound and the surrounding area. Because birds don't have a liquid lymphatic system, and creams make a mess of feathers, I use powdered antibiotics. A good standard is Beneocin. It's a broad spectrum and well tolerated. If you know your doctor well enough and he trusts you, you could ask for a prescription, explaining why you want it.

Pain management is an often talked about problem, I have found the simplest thing is Painol, but if you can get ARNICA in a tablet or powder it would be better as it is homeopathic. Either get it down the birds throat or mix with a little water and give it with a dropper from the side of the beak, a drop at a time.

Just a cautionary note: When putting liquid down a bird's throat make sure you avoid the glottis. This is the opening on the back of the birds tongue. It is the airway to its lungs. Also remember that these are very small organisms and don't have much body mass. Use only very small quantities of the drug.

Lastly, keep it warm and secure. I have a cheap heating electric pad which I place under the cage at night. You could keep the bird in a box in a quiet and warm place in the house.

Finally: my valued resource person is quite close to you, Dr.Gabriel Brown. He is the avian specialist at the vet school, and you will find him in the small building on the south perimeter road as you pass the new Oncology unit, and the incinerator of the vet school. There is parking off the road but you have to walk round the corner to the glass door. Alternately you could drive around to the Small Animal Clinic, drive past it into the bovine area and the little building is facing you. In this case it would have been useful to have taken the little body up to him for a necropsy. This way you would get some information back on what happened to it. It also provides the students with useful experience.

I have a small styrene container in which I transport little bodies. The protocol they prefer is to have the animal/bird placed in a clean zip-lock bag as soon after it expires as possible. This way they can examine the parasites it may carry and then place it in the carrier with a few zip-lock bags of ice. No freezing.

FOOTNOTE FROM DETTA:

In the case of baby birds or an injury case, it is important to identify the species it order to feed it correctly. On the wrong diet, the bird will not survive.

Richard ffrench's book "the Birds of Trinidad & Tobago" has excellent plates for ID and some information on their habits and food sources. Be cautious when taking information off the net. The same species may occur in the southern USA but have different diets and are adapted to those, whereas, the same species from Venezuela, the Guyanas, and the amazon may have more closely related habits.

Finally, it is extremely important, to consider that you are helping this individual to survive and return to its own environment. Only if the individual is crippled and unable to survive in the wild should it become domesticated (habituated) and then a permit should be sought from the FORESTRY DIVISION, or it could be turned over to an established Rehabilitation Centre, for use.

THANK YOU, DETTA.

Greenlight gets Green Fund $upport for Plastic Recycling

2010-03-16T06:51:00.000-04:00

Planning Housing and the Environment Minister Emily Dick-Forde, right, chats with the first recipients of grants from the Green Fund yesterday. At left are president of the Greenlight Network Elspeth Duncan and managing director, Fondes Amandes Community Reafforestation Project, Akilah Jaramongi. Photo: Karla Ramoo

Green Fund $$ for 2 projects

After several years of existence, Government distributed yesterday more than $2.7 million from the Green Fund to two community organisations. Planning, Housing and Development Minister Dr Emily Dick-Forde presented cheques totalling $1,914,806 and $852,281 to Fondes Amandes Community Group and Greenlight Network, respectively, for two projects. Fondes Amandes will use the money to continue its reafforestation initiative in the Fondes Amandes watershed in St Ann’s.

The funding is to complete the project within WASA’s lands in the watershed, upgrading infrastructure of the facilities on the site and to continue outreach/educational activities. And the Greenlight Network’s will use its funds to undertake a plastic recycling initiative. It’s the first project of the kind being undertaken in T&T. Citizens will be able to dispose of their household plastic waste in a manner that will ensure protection of the environment.

Dick-Forde, in addressing the ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, said legislation was expected to be amended shortly to allow a larger number of community groups to apply for grants under the Green Fund, which was established in 2004. The fund provides grants to community groups and organisations for projects such as environmental conservation, reafforestation or remediation.

Source of article

What's new?

2009-10-21T17:35:00.000-04:00

Crab in hole at Maracas Bay

Greetings Dear Members,

Even though Greenlight Network has not been as visible as usual (like a crab in a hole) ... we have been very present. You will be happy to know that we have continued working behind the scenes, putting various things in place to enable the strengthening of our organisation and the refinement of the services we offer to our country and the world - in the name of healing our inner and outer environments.

Those who know the philosophy behind Power Animals will understand that the living creatures around us are highly symbolic. The crab (which as you will have figured out by now is our visual symbol for this particular blog post) brings a most fitting message for Greenlight Network.

(Extracted from this source):

The crab uses all of its senses to survive. Its body movements as well as its excellent sight, smell, taste and hearing assist it in reaching its desired destination. They are skillful in everything that they do. Crabs teach us how to empower ourselves on all levels, perfecting, refining, awakening and expanding our own perceptions.

... The crab shows you how to develop and refine all aspects of yourself. It only requires that you open your heart to its wisdom and be willing to follow its instructions. In so doing, personal power is your for the asking.

Below are some examples of how have we been empowering ourselves (and others) on all levels, perfecting, refining, awakening and expanding over the past few months:

LAST QUARTER 2008: Funds raised at our successful annual fundraising concert - Green Carpet - were donated to WORC (Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre). This donation enabled continued work in the area of local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

MAY 2009: Greenlight Network organised a Beach Cleanup for the Red Earth Festival 2009, successfully collecting plastics and other waste from the Chaguaramas area. Collected plastics are carried to Recycling in Motion in Aranguez, to be crushed and/or chipped for export (recycling).

HEALTH CARE NOW 2009: Greenlight Network has been dedicated to bringing free health care to various communities throughout the country - offering testing of cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and medical advice. So far thrilled residents of Arima, Aranguez, Curepe, Bamboo Village and Debe have benefited from this service.

ONGOING 2009: Our much needed Plastikeep project (which focuses on recycling of plastics) goes from strength to strength. We have been working diligently on our application process to secure the necessary funding (the Green Fund) to enable the manifestation of our plans. More on this exciting venture will be shared with you shortly!

Stay tuned ... and feel free to make use of the comments section of our blog. Ask questions, make suggestions, let us know what you and yours have been doing to help and heal the world in and around you.

Meet TOBYN PEARSON, magic man

2008-09-22T22:26:00.001-04:00

Tobyn Pearson, Canadian magician
(Photo supplied by Tobyn)

Greenlight Network’s 2nd annual fundraising environmental concert, GREEN CARPET , has been billed as the 'classical, magical, environmental concert' ... and Tobyn Pearson, Canadian magician extraordinaire, will certainly help us to live up to the 'magical' part of the evening on Saturday 18 October 2008. See details at end of post. But first, read his fascinating interview.

1. When and why did you first start practicing magic?
I actually started out juggling first when I was about 13 years old.
Magic was a natural progression from there. I still utilize both art
forms in any shows that I do.

2. Where are some of the places you have you performed?
Canada, United States, Argentina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and of
course Trinidad and Tobago. I would love to do shows in China, Russia,
India, Mexico, All of Europe, Iceland, Peru, Chile................ The
world is not that big of a place anymore. It would be a shame to miss
any of it!

3. Tell us about your most memorable magical moment (a) in show (b) in life.
I was in Burkina Faso in a very remote village doing a magic and
juggling show for the community. The show was a tremendous success!!!
After the show a gentleman approached me with his daughter. He asked if
I could heal her as she was deaf and mute. This had a tremendous impact
on how I used to view the world. I have been back to Africa on 2 more
occasions and can't bring myself to do magic again there.

4. What does it take to be a magician?
Misspent youth!! Just kidding. It takes patience more than anything
else. Sometimes you will have to work for months on a simple move that
is only a small part of one trick.

5. What particular magic trick do you most enjoy performing?
Anything close up. I pretty much gave up stage and adult shows about 8
years ago. I strictly focus on charity work now for children's causes
usually. This upcoming show will be my first adult stage show in several
years. Close up Magic does not play well on stage, so it should be
interesting what I can come up with for this event.

6. If there was a magic trick you could do to help the environment, what would that trick be?
OUCH!!! Without getting too political, I would wave my magic wand (which
in truth I have never used or owned one) and educate all humanity on the
destruction we are doing to ourselves via the use of fossil fuels, our
mega agricultural industries, unfair trade practices.....and the list
goes on. I honestly believe that if everyone was educated, the abuse to
ourselves and the planet would stop. Now that would be magic!!!

7. Free flow - anything else you would like to add about yourself, magic and/or the environment ...?
Mostly I would like to thank T&T for being so generous and kind to me
and my family over the last 2 years. We will be leaving shortly with
only good memories and thoughts of all the people we have met and the
places we have been. Trinidad and Tobago like all countries has its
needs and worries. Do not settle for mediocrity. Hold people
accountable!

GREEN CARPET
Date: Saturday 18th October
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Venue: La Joya Auditorium, Eastern Main Road, St. Joseph

Tickets: $150
Available from:
Glenford Bhagat - 789-0786
Shivonne DuBarry - 758-7915
Elspeth Duncan - 786-2539

50% of proceeds will go to WORC (Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre).

The other 50% will go toward Greenlight Network’s environmental projects. Have a look at some of our past ones.

Please forward this post to those you think will be interested in learning about our performers, attending the concert and supporting this worthy environmental cause.

Thank you!

Greenlight Network

Meet CAROLINE MAIR, Jazzing it up!

2008-09-18T19:08:00.001-04:00

Caroline Mair

We've asked none other than Caroline Mair to jazz things up the way only she can ... on Saturday 18 October 2008 at GREEN CARPET – Greenlight Network’s 2nd annual fundraising environmental concert. Spend a few moments with us and read what this talented songstress has to say about her journey from singing in showers to the stage.

1. At what age did you start singing?
Well, I’ve been singing in the shower for as long as I can remember, but I’ve been ridiculously shy until this year. I was in and out of choirs, but I hate choirs, and I would sing at university once in a while. But I went through a couple of things last year, and I guess it got me thinking about the things I really wanted out of life. So I jumped up one day and went to Satchmo’s during my lunch break, and waited there every day for three days for as long as I could so they could hear me sing. And they listened, and they liked, and I’ve grown in confidence since then.

2. Why do you sing?
Because I have to. I played piano for about ten years and hated it, but I loved music. I just never knew I was using the wrong instrument. There’s always music in my head. Lyrics bouncing around, melodies. I would hear a blues song, then I would deviate from the tune, think about things to add, try to funk it up in my head with a parang or tassa beat or something. Or a Spanish verse with a clave for the bridge. I’ve been doing this since I was very small, trying to switch things up.

3. What songs do you sing? Originals? Covers?
I sing covers in public, but I think I would like to expand into my own compositions. I have a lot of songs tumbling around in my head, as I said. But I’ve only done one or two things in collaboration with other people. I really want to explore different genres, try to mix what I currently sing with Caribbean genres. I guess I just love fusions, so I want to try to play with that.

4. What styles of singing do you explore? Which is your favourite and why?
I love opera, but you have to be trained to follow that path. Otherwise, you’ll hurt your voice. So now it’s mostly jazz, neo-soul, the blues. I love the blues, harnessing all that emotion into your voice. What I sing in Satchmo’s is purely old school – lovely standard ballards. Other places I make it more contemporary, try to bring some modern neo-soul into the mix. As I said before, I really want to explore fusion, and find ways of blending more Caribbean forms with what I sing right now.

5. Are you a trained singer?
No. I hate choirs and classes. But did do ten years of piano, so at least I know something about music. Well, I’m supposed to know! It’s somewhere filed away in my memory, I’m sure!

6. Do you perform regularly?
I have a regular gig at Satchmo’s, Mondays and Saturdays.

7. Name places (establishments or countries) where you've performed
Satchmo’s, Coco Lounge, and Central Bank in Trinidad; Groove Bar in New York; Victor’s Café (opera) and Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia.

8. What was your most memorable performance ... and why?
For my grandmother’s funeral. I hadn’t officially started to sing in public. I was still too shy. My grandmother was the only one who encouraged me to sing in public, and I never sang, not even for her really. So I decided to sing for her funeral. It was awful, really. Started to cry in the middle of the song. But I meant every word of the song.

9. Who/what inspires you - in singing (specifically) and in life (generally)?
In singing, Billy Holiday has to be my favourite. The quality of her voice is magnetic. She had a very tragic life, and you could hear the pain in her voice. When I heard “Southern Trees” for the first time, I had chills. Nina Simone is another one. “Don’t Explain” is a song that just stops you cold, and you’re there in the moment, in the song, pleading with her lover to “just say you’ll remain.” I like the craziness of Amy Winehouse – she’s the only pop singer I like really. She re-introduces “diva” back into music. I mean, look at what happened to Britney – there’s a price to pay for those exacting standard of beauty and “femininity” that’s put upon women in any field, especially music.

10. This is an environmental concert. What personal statement would you like to share with readers re the environment/your thoughts/feelings, etc...?
As a developing country, we have a lot invested in protecting our environment. There’s a fine line to draw between development and exploitation. Sustainable development – that benefits us, not foreign entities and countries – is really key here. It’s an ongoing battle. How to provide for ourselves and for the future? How to ensure what we do today does not jeopardize tomorrow? We’re a small country, and our resources are limited. It requires everyday people thinking outside the box, being entrepreneurial, finding ways to reduce our waste and develop a market that doesn’t revolve around oil and gas. Because if we leave protecting the environment solely up to the government, it won’t end up getting done. And really, we’ll be just as much to blame.

GREEN CARPET
Date: Saturday 18th October
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Venue: La Joya Auditorium, Eastern Main Road, St. Joseph

Tickets: $150
Available from:
Glenford Bhagat - 789-0786
Shivonne DuBarry - 758-7915
Elspeth Duncan - 786-2539

50% of proceeds will go to WORC (Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre).

The other 50% will go toward Greenlight Network’s environmental projects. Have a look at some of our past ones.

Please forward this post to those you think will be interested in learning about our performers, attending the concert and supporting this worthy environmental cause.

Thank you!

Greenlight Network

Meet MICHELLE RUDDER, piano virtuoso

2008-09-17T05:32:00.004-04:00

Join us as we feature our GREEN CARPET performers one by one ...

Michelle Rudder
(Photo Courtesy: Michelle Rudder)

Her fingers will thrill you on Saturday 18 October 2008 at GREEN CARPET – Greenlight Network’s 2nd annual fundraising environmental concert. But for now, let's check out this interview to learn a little more about the person behind the piano.

1. When did you start playing piano?
When I was 3 ???? It was a 3 octave electric organ from the 1960s

2.What does music mean to you?
.... Life

3. What inspires you?
.... Emotions ... mostly the less plesant ones. When I am too happy, I can't create.

4.What are your other interests in life?
Art ... I returned to painting after almost 30 years. Also reading .. I am a knowledge seeking infomaniac. I like to think about life .. my own philosophies. I like to read up on medicine, meteorology, all sorts of science and tehcnology. I love reading everything.

5. The songs you will be playing for the concert - (without telling us what they are) - why have you selected those specific ones?
One is an original that I did last year. The others represent my favourite time of the day .... night time.

6. This is a fundraising and awareness raising concert for the environment - what is your take on ' the environment'?
Loving nature is part of loving yourself, loving life and loving God. It cannot be distinguished. Man vs nature? What is see happening in the context of the universe as an organism, what man is doing to nature is almost equivalent to someone coming down with an autoimmune disease .. i.e. when the body attacks/ destroys itself. We are destroying ourselves.

7. Free flow: anything else you want to say about yourself as a person, as a musician and/or about the concert and the environment?
In life, I live by the Kahlil Gibran quote ..."Life is indeed darkness save when there is urge". My urge to create and produce is strong. I live for it. Sometimes, the realities of day to day life as it has become threatens to suppress my creativity. What I have found is that if I can take the energy that I have, and instead of fighting the chaos, embrace it ... I can find ways to be creative and productive in spite of. No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

GREEN CARPET
Date: Saturday 18th October
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Venue: La Joya Auditorium, Eastern Main Road, St. Joseph

Tickets: $150
Available from:
Glenford Bhagat - 789-0786
Shivonne DuBarry - 758-7915
Elspeth Duncan - 786-2539

50% of proceeds will go to WORC (Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre).

The other 50% will go toward Greenlight Network’s environmental projects. Have a look at some of our past ones.

Please forward this post to those you think will be interested in learning about our performers, attending the concert and supporting this worthy environmental cause.

Thank you!

Greenlight Network

Meet ANTHONY ROSE of Exodus

2008-09-13T10:09:00.003-04:00

Join us as we feature our GREEN CARPET performers one by one ...

X is for Exodus
Location: Exodus Panyard, Eastern Main Road, St. Augustine/Tunapuna
Photo: Elspeth Duncan

X marks the spot on the stage where Anthony Rose (Exodus pan player/musical director/former band captain) will be standing when he performs classical pan on Saturday 18th October 2008 at GREEN CARPET – Greenlight Network’s 2nd annual fundraising environmental concert.

Anthony’s journey into the world of pan began at the age of 6, as a member of Flamingo Steel Orchestra on St. John Road, the place where he was born and bred.

“Flamingoes and Exodus is like family,” he says. “After the Carnival season of 1981, some past members of Flamingoes decided they wanted to form a steelband. That’s how Exodus started. Exodus … the movement … from one band to another … and of course the scriptural meaning too.”

Photo: Elspeth Duncan

Exodus played their first panorama in 1982 (placing 4th). In 1983, Anthony made his own Exodus, moving over to the band where he was christened as their first captain. He held this position until 1990, when he started to travel with music.

Pan has taken him far and wide:
- studying music education at Akron University, Ohio
- one year in Tokyo, Japan
- musical engagements in USA, Canada, Europe, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Paris, London, Singapore

Looking back to his earlier years, Anthony recalls his days after leaving high school. “I stayed home and played pan every day from 7:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night for four years. It was personal practice and development. I would get the audio and printed music and follow it on my own, teaching myself. My parents said ‘Boy, you’re getting older. Time for you to get a job!’”

So, in 1982, he started working with the Ministry of Works as an accounts clerk. By 1985, realising that we ‘wasn’t getting time’ with his music, he decided it was time to leave. “In June 1985, I woke up and told my mother I’m not going back to the job and that was it. I never looked back. From then I went into music full time.”

Following his heart with dedication and passion has led Anthony down a fulfilling road. Today he teaches music “to anybody who wants to learn.” Interested in piano, drums, singing, jazz theory, arranging? He can give you a good foundation through Steeldrum Excel, his music school.

“Music is what I do, it’s what I have, it’s my life. Everything I have comes from playing pan, It’s how I live, it’s a hobby, it’s professional, it’s fun, it’s business.”

And what does this man with the passion for pan have to say about the environment?

“My whole thing is scriptural because of creation, earth … the environment isn’t supposed to be as it is now because everything was made perfect. It’s because of disobedience that we are where we are today. I think to get back to that state, we human beings have to undergo renewal of thinking and appreciation. Look outside and see how it is now and how it is supposed to be. Look at the flooding. When you see the amount of water and the amount of tins and plastic and old fridges and stoves … It’s a whole breakdown in discipline. No one appreciates anything or anyone anymore. We are brainwashed, but we have to do another brainwash in a positive way.”

During Anthony’s year-long stay in Japan, he was struck by the positive way in which the Japanese people related to their environment.

“In Japan they call seeing about the environment ‘public art’ … instead of ‘landscaping’. When you want to study landscaping, you go to the School of Public Art. Everything is art to them. If you see how these people take care of the land, the animals, plants, human beings. It’s love. They have an old age problem too, since they are among the people who live the longest. You see the elders in different groups on a morning transplanting trees. Imagine I was talking to a woman age 75 one morning and she’s down in a hole removing a tree. They understand and appreciate the environment. Everything is a contributing factor to each other. We need the trees, we need the oxygen. When you have no greenery, then what? Human life will be at stake. Anyone working on the environment and trying to help is doing a good thing.

Man was given a garden and he was given a job to take care of it.”

See more of Anthony online here ... and stay tuned! Spread the word as we feature other performers in this concert you do not want to miss!

GREEN CARPET
Date: Saturday 18th October
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Venue: La Joya Auditorium, Eastern Main Road, St. Joseph

Tickets: $150
Available from:
Glenford Bhagat - 789-0786
Shivonne DuBarry - 758-7915
Elspeth Duncan - 786-2539

50% of proceeds will go to WORC (Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre).

The other 50% will go toward Greenlight Network’s environmental projects. Have a look at some of our past ones.

Please forward this post to those you think will be interested in learning about our performers, attending the concert and supporting this worthy environmental cause.

Thank you!

Greenlight Network

"Green Carpet" ( Greenlight's Environmental Concert 2008)

2008-09-04T19:59:00.002-04:00

The time has come again for Greenlight Network to stage our (second) annual fundraising concert. Last year at the JFK, U.W.I., our first annual environmental concert (Live the Pledge) was all about alternative music, featuring some of T & T's hottest local talent in that genre. Money was raised for Greenlight Network's environmental projects. Please explore the archives in this website to see what kinds of ventures we have embarked upon over time.

This year we are going classical, magical and environmental ... with "Green Carpet" ... the concert you don't want to miss: Saturday 18 October, La Joya Auditorium, Curepe, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tickets $150.

50% of the proceeds will go to Greenlight Network for our environmental projects. The balance 50% will go to Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre (WORC) to assist with vital work being done for the injured and orphaned wild animals of Trinidad and Tobago.

This one-of-a-kind evening will feature unforgettable performances by:
Caroline Mair - with her smoky, husky, alluring classic jazz style
Michelle Rudder - her nimble fingers have thrilled audiences with everything from rock and roll to Beethoven and beyond
Tobyn Pearson - this Canadian magician who will blow you away with the unbelievable tricks he's got up his sleeve

... and others! Pan, sitar, tabla, classical orchestra, limbo and more.

We hope we've tickled your fancy. Stay tuned for:
- updates on concert information and planning progress
- details on ticket sales and availability
- interviews with the performers and those behind the scenes
- ways in which you can volunteer to help

Come. We invite you to walk the Green Carpet with us.

RED EARTH ECO ARTS FESTIVAL Event listing

2008-06-05T13:43:00.001-04:00

RED EARTH ECO-ARTS FESTIVAL
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th June, 2008
Chaguaramas, Trinidad

Tickets for all events are available at:
*The Cotton Tree Foundation on Ariapita Road in St Ann’s,
*Paper Based bookstore in the Normandie Hotel in St Ann’s,
*Gayelle-the Channel in St James
*the Chaguaramas Development Authority in Chaguaramas.

Friday 6 June

* Schools hike to Edith Falls with CDA - from Golf Course car park, 8.30am (Schools contact 633-6992)

* Workshop for schools, Bellerand Park, Golf Course Rd - 10am to 2pm (Schools contact 633-6992)

* 6:30pm -Open-air cinema (Whale Rider) followed by Stargazing with the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy - Tracking Station - Cost $30.00
(N.B.: you can pay at the tracking station on Friday evening)

Saturday 7 June

* 7.30am-11.00am -Covigne River hike with CDA (must book! 634 4364)
Cost: $50 (children) $65 (Adults)

*10am - 5pm Exhibitions in - The Mystic Masseur Old Wooden House & St Chad's Church.

* 10am Childrens Zone -Art Workshops and story-telling for children, Bellerand Park, Golf Course Rd - (contact Shurland 7832046)

* 3pm First Citizens of the Red Earth - First Nation People of the Americas Cuesua River bed Ritual blessing of the Performance space
Incl: Smoke Ceremony

*3:30p “ W ” - Continuum Dance Project - Cuesua River bed (Choreography Sonja Dumas)

* 4-6pm Songshine Poetry event, Cuesua River bed - (contact Gillian Moor 7604655)

* 7pm - 10pm Rock the River Bed - live performances in the Cuesua River bed cost-$120

Sunday 8 June

* 8am- Beach Clean up-Chacachacare (free) - (Must book, mystichemp@hotmail.com tel: 625 0295)

*10am - 5pm Exhibitions in - The Mystic Masseur Old Wooden House & St Chad's Church, Maqueripe - all day from

*9Am - Nature Tours-Gasparee Caves-
Cost: $125 (Adults) $110 (Children)
(by bookings only – 634 4364CDA)
meeting at:Island Homes

*10Am - walking tour of medicinal plants, Mt St Catherine.

* 5:30pm - 8pm - Fundraising event for The Cotton Tree Foundation - Wine Under the Stars With Poetry and Pan - wine and cheese evening, Bamboo Cathedral
Cost: $250.00

Sell your 'stuff' and help the animals

2008-05-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

Below is a message from the Animal Welfare Network. A great way to raise money for the animals.

The Animal Welfare Network are having a "Car Boot Sale" at the International School on Saturday 24 May, starting at 8 a.m.

You bring your "stuff" that you no longer love or want and sell it at the Car Boot Sale. You can then either keep all the profits after paying your $200 Vendor fee or donate some of the profits to the charity.

Alternatively, come in for free and see what people have for sale. I know that there are going to be books, plants, clothes, "stuff" for sure.

It is generally quite fun. If you plan to sell, like a garage sale, it is easier to have your items priced before you get there, walk with some change, and some old shopping bags so people can take away the stuff they bought from you. Letting people bargain is half the fun.

Give me a call if you want any more details and feel free to forward this on to anyone you think may be interested.

Susan
788 7021

Thank You for coming to Love is Green

2008-02-20T18:07:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to everyone who attended Greenlight Network's event "Love is Green" at Alice Yard on Friday 15th February, 2008. This was the celebration of our two years of existence ... and our way of opening the door to our third year, where our theme is none other than LOVE.

The night was full of great vibes, great people and lots of different happenings ...

Elspeth Duncan and Dream House
*

The night opened with Elspeth Duncan unveiling her DREAM HOUSE window lamp and showing the film that helped to inspire it (Invisible: Children living with HIV/AIDS). This was followed by a short presentation of the cause that arose from the making of the film: the building of a house for Veronica (the woman in the video) and her two children. Those interested in further information, a progress update or making a donation in cash or kind, can contact Elspeth at nowiswowisnow (at) yahoo (dot) com or 786-2539. Those interested in placing more dreams into the lamp can also make contact to find out where it is now and where it will be going next ...

Don't Panic
*

Those in attendance were also treated to musical performances by the innovative local group Don't Panic and conscious social rapper, Malik ... two of the sixteen excellent local musical acts featured on the Greenlight Network compilation CD: NATURE OF SOUND. All proceeds from the sale of this eclectic CD go toward future Greenlight Network environmental/creative projects. Those who purchased CDs on the night must be lolling back and enjoying the environmental musical vibes wafting or pounding through their speakers. Those interested in owning a Nature of Sound CD can contact Glenford Bhagat (789-0786) to purchase their copy.

Capoeira Angola display

Toward the end of the night, Chanzo Greenidge and his capoeira Angola group (Instituto Palmeiras gave a lively display that had everyone in the audience enraptured. Those interested in finding out more about capoeira Angola in Trinidad can contact Chanzo at institutopalmeiras (at) gmail (dot) com

The night closed off with an open mike session which brought fantastic poets and musicians out of the woodwork and into the spotlight. We need to see more of your performances! The audience seemed to really enjoy what you had to offer.

If you were there at Love is Green, feel free to leave your comment(s) on this post. We would love to hear your feedback. What did you enjoy? What suggestions do you have for improvement? What suggestions do you have for other events? What would you like to see Greenlight Network do? In what way(s) would you like to become involved with us?

More photos will no doubt be provided at some point, as there were lots of cameras clicking throughout the night. The images in this post are courtesy Agusto Murillo.

Breathe ... by Greenpeace

2008-02-17T18:42:00.001-04:00

Love is Green at Alice Yard

2008-02-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

(Please click on invite to make it bigger)
*
8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Friday 15 February 2008
Alice Yard, 80 Roberts Street, Woodbrook

A multimedia event to celebrate the healing of our inner and outer environments.

For further information called Victor at 314-4265

Love is Green

2008-02-01T06:06:00.001-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

Greetings to all of you for 2008. May the coming months bring you all love, guidance, peace of mind and success in every venture.

You may have noted that you haven't been hearing from Greenlight Network as regularly. We can equate this apparent absence to a seed, placed in the earth. We do not see what happens as the seed germinates. Then suddenly, one day, we notice that first green bit curling out of the soil ... and the journey begins. With the right care and nutrients and time, that little seed becomes a massive tree.

In the turn of the year from 2007 to 2008, Greenlight has been quietly 'germinating' at our headquarters. In February we will be celebrating our birthday and moving into our third year existence. In light of this, we will be hosting a special celebration on Friday 15th February, from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. at Alice Yard in Woodbrook ... to give thanks for all that we have achieved and project positive vibes onto all that is to come. This free multimedia event (packed with all kinds of interesting elements), entitled "Love is Green" is open to all of you. So keep that date open. Write it into your diaries/calendars that you have a big date the day after Valentine's Day.

LOVE IS GREEN will launch Greenlight's theme for 2008: LOVE. What better energy to have as the motivating factor in all that we do?

Our mailing list currently stands at 125 members (those with internet access). But there are more. After all, we are a network of like minds and kindred spirits. Some of you have been involved directly in our projects, some of you have supported silently in the background and some of you would like to be more involved but just can't find the time. We take this opportunity to specially thank each one of you for whatever you have given to this organisation thus far. We look forward to hearing more of your ideas, enjoying more of your company and meeting up with you for a great experience on 15th February 2008.

Stay tuned. Further details on LOVE IS GREEN will be made available after Carnival.

Enjoy, keep safe and be well.

Thank You: We Lived the Pledge

2007-10-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

The Greenlight Network banner, advertises the LIVE THE PLEDGE concert at the south gate of the University of the West Indies. The logo of major sponsor, IADB, is proudly emblazoned in the lower left corner, with the Greenlight logo on the top left. Partnering for progress!

Thank you to every artiste who performed at Greenlight Network's environmental concert 2007: LIVE THE PLEDGE, held at the JFK Auditorium, UWI on Saturday September 29th. After getting off to a slightly late start, the show progressed steadily, featuring memorable performances of orginal music by a diverse line-up of performers.

Sheldon Manoo of Broken Mirroz renders "Detrimental", an environmental electro-rapso hit, featured on the Greenlight Network compilation CD: Nature of Sound.
(Photos: E. Duncan)
*

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and attended the show. We trust you enjoyed what was offered and had a great time. It would have been wonderful to see the seats of the hall filled to capacity with people pushing to get in even if it meant they had to stand ... but ... we'll save that thrill for next time! This year was more 'intimate'.

Don't Panic, fronted by heartthrob Winston Frederick, thrilled the audience with an acoustic set.
*

Thank you to those who sold tickets, put up flyers, helped to set up on the day, manned and womanned the door, sold CDs/tickets/water/soft drinks/doubles, kept us secure (UWI security), MC'd (Mike Ross), operated the sound system, lighting, videotaped the performance and beautified the stage with recycled, festive decor.

Vashtie Dookiesingh, IADB representative, delivers a moving speech on behalf of that organisation. An IADB Cultural Development grant went a long way to making this concert possible.
*

Thank you to:
(i) Our wonderful sponsors: IADB (Inter-American Development Bank), Petals & Stuff, Ryan Air, Brown & Partners Design Co. Ltd., Andes Printery.
(ii) Speakers at the concert: Vashtie Dookiesingh (IADB), Marcia Tinto, EMA), Troy Hadeed (Mystic Hemp), Terscha Singh (from Greenlight Network)!

The mermerizing tabla player of the earthy fusion band, Terranessence, immerses himself in the moment.

*
And last, but not least, we thank The Great Spirit, without whom none of us and none of this would have been possible.
*

P.S. So many photos were taken by so many people. As soon as we have sorted them out, we will post to the site. Stay tuned!

Be there!

2007-09-12T12:20:00.000-04:00

Tickets are ready!

2007-09-11T18:56:00.000-04:00

Tickets for Greenlight Network's Environmental Concert 2007: LIVE THE PLEDGE have been printed and are now physically available! We will soon be placing tickets at select locations (to be announced) ... but for now, you can call 645-0157 and arrange to pick yours up from Greenlight's headquarters - 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe.

We strongly advise you to do this, since people have already been calling and booking blocks of tickets. You want to be sure that you and your friends get yours!

Artistes, the same goes for you. No doubt your family, friends and fans want to come and give support. Make sure they secure their tickets in time.

At $40 and for a very good cause (future GLN environmental awareness-raising projects) you can't go wrong!

Please pass this message on.

Thanks!

*
THE DETAILS

LIVE THE PLEDGE
When? Saturday 29 September 2007
Where? JFK Theatre, UWI, St. Augustine
What time? 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Admission? $40
All proceeds will be injected back into Greenlight's creative environmental awareness-raising projects!

This event is a 6 hour music and multimedia marathon. Bring the family and come! Enjoy, be enlightened, shake a leg or two!

Performers:
5 O'Clock Shadow
Anti Everything
Brother Resistance
Don't Panic
Elspeth Duncan
Glenford Bhagat
John Pollard
Jointpop
Malik
Mark Ng Wai
Broken Mirroz
Ozy Majic
Rahil Babooram
Tie Dye Kitty

Two surprise guest artistes!

Videos!

And more!!

Green goes big screen: I SPY Environmental documentaries at Movie Towne/TTIFF

2007-09-06T14:50:00.000-04:00

One of the young filmmakers (I SPY Things in My Garden) looks at the LCD screen of the camera.
*

The website for the TIFF (Trinidad & Tobago International Film Festival) is up. Check out the listings and write down dates in your dairy. There are lots of interesting films to take in.

Make time to check out the I SPY environmental documentaries which were filmed by varied groups of children age 7 - 10 ( (under the guidance of Elspeth Duncan (see blurb)). Fresh perspectives and new voices speaking on behalf of Nature. Even though the series was filmed by children, the important and interesting points they bring up (and they ways in which they deliver) are for all ages!

Links to further I SPY-related details on the TTIFF website:
1. I SPY synopsis

2. The calendar on the home page tells you which episode of I SPY is showing when (from 19th September onwards). They have been slotted into the 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. slots, daily (primarily for young viewers - but of course older ones are welcome :).

C & B there!

Get your tickets while they're hot!

2007-08-30T14:49:00.000-04:00

Ticket design: Brown & Partners
Printer: Andes Printery

Tickets for the Greenlight Network Environmental Concert 2007: LIVE THE PLEDGE will be available for public purchase from the first week in September! No doubt they will be going fast, as we have already received requests for bookings. Make sure to secure your tickets now! Call Greenlight Network's headquarters: 645-0157 or e-mail us at greenlightnetwork (at) gmail (dot) com!

LIVE THE PLEDGE
When? Saturday 29 September 2007
Where? JFK Theatre, UWI, St. Augustine
What time? 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Admission? $40
All proceeds will be injected back into Greenlight's creative environmental awareness-raising projects!

This event is a 6 hour music and multimedia marathon. Bring the family and come! Enjoy, be enlightened, shake a leg or two!

Performers:
5 O'Clock Shadow
Anti Everything
Brother Resistance
Don't Panic
Elspeth Duncan
Glenford Bhagat
John Pollard
Jointpop
Malik
Mark Ng Wai
Broken Mirroz
Ozy Majic
Rahil Babooram
Tie Dye Kitty

Two surprise guest artistes!

Videos!

And more!!

LIVE THE PLEDGE concert ... an update

2007-08-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

In order to keep the LIVE THE PLEDGE environmental concert to a tidy six hours (2 - 8 p.m.), we will be running a tight show on 29th September.

Each artiste will have 15 minutes on stage.

12 minutes for music and 3 minutes for talking about:

1. How we are living the pledge

2. Introduction of songs and anything else he/she/they may want to say

The programme will be posted for public viewing in early in September. Artistes are asked to organize schedules in order tobe available for the allotted time.

Printed tickets will be availabe from early September. Please state how many tickets you will require - to sell to your family, friends and fans. Only 400 tickets will be printed, so make sure to get yours early! Admission is $40 and all proceeds go to Greenlight Network's environmental awareness-raising projects ... like this concert!

Each ticket gives the bearer:

1. The opportunity to win an exciting hamper

2. 10% off any item at Mystic Hemp

3. The experience of an amazing environmental concert

We look forward to hearing from you -artistes and the public - with any questions or suggestions concerning LIVE THE PLEDGE: Greenlight Network's Environmental Concert 2007!

LIVE THE PLEDGE

2007-08-13T13:00:00.001-04:00

Mitch from Greenlight Network walks by with a large piece of garbage from Sunday's beach clean up at Balandra ... organised by Mystic Hemp.
*

Dear Greenlights,

Here is a recap of certain elements discussed at our meeting last Friday (to discuss the upcoming Greenlight Network environmental concert).

1. First we wish to thank those who were in attendance and gave fantastic contributions to our discussions:
- Glenford Bhagat (solo artise; founding member Greenlight Network)
- Elspeth Duncan (solo artise; founding member Greenlight Network)
- Troy Hadeed (owner of Mystic Hemp)
- Navid Lancaster (from the band Broken Mirroz)
- Mark Ng Wai (solo artiste)
- Mike Ross (musician, Radio DJ: 95.1FM)
- Anil Maharaj (from the band 5 O'Clock Shadow) 6207251
- Justin (friend of Mark Ng Wai)
- Malik

... and last but not least, the Spirit of Mother Nature who guides us in our actions.

2. It was decided that the name of the concert is to be LIVE THE PLEDGE.
The reason for this was inspired by a book available from Troy Hadeed entitled The Globl Warming Survival Handbook. Each artiste performing at the concert is being asked to start living an action that will contribute toward them reducing their negative impact upon the earth. E.g. carry your own reusable bag to the grocery instead of using their plastic bags; change the bulbs in your house to more energy efficient ones; if you drive a car, pledge to take public transport at least one day a week; collect your plastic bottles and take them to the recycling place (R.I.M.) ... and so on. These simple but effective measures add up to give the earth an ease-up. By the time the concert comes around, each artiste will be able to stand in front of the audience and speak from experience about what he or she has been doing to 'live the pledge'. Those in the audience who respect you and love listening to your music will most likely also want to follow your example(s) and start living the pledge in their own way.

Troy Hadeed will be providing an e-copy of a flyer he is distributing, containing examples of things we can do. Stay tuned ... and make your pledge!

As artistes living the pledge, we hope to encourage members of the public (our screaming fans) to do the same ... and more!

3. We discussed the creation of radio advertising for the concert. Each ad will feature an artiste saying his/her name, saying something about his/her pledge or about the environment in general ... after which information about the concert will be given.

4. There were discussions as to whether the concert could be held outdoors, rather than indoors. While all of us are in favour of an outdoor concert, it was decided that we would leave this for next year when we have more funding to enable that reality. For this year, 2007, we will have a blow-mind indoor concert.

There is still a lot of groundwork to be done. Those interested in assisting, please make contact. Call Glen at Greenlight's Headquarters: 645-0157.

Let us come together to make this a powerful show.

Merging our forces for a successful concert

2007-07-16T17:29:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

Get ready for 6 hours of musical environmental excitement and awareness ... carded for Saturday 29th September at the JFK, UWI campus. Greenlight Network will be staging Nature of Sound 2 ... The Concert. This larger version of the concert held at TTW in April 2007 will feature all sixteen artistes from the Nature of Sound CD, as well as guest artistes and selected environmental speakers. This promises to be a one of a kind environmental extravaganza.

A meeting specifically geared toward planning of the concert will be held on Thursday July 19th, 2007 at Greenlight's Headquarters: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe from 6 p.m. on the dot.

The planning of this event will be smooth and efficient with the merging of many forces. Any Greenlight members who can commit to any of the following are asked to be present and are thanked in advance for their invaluable contribution:
1. Marketing of the concert and the CD (includes developing advertising ideas, artwork, press releases)
2. Liasing with the artistes to ensure that everyone is aware of times, requirements, etc.
3. Locating sponsors and selling them the opportunity to be a part of the venture
4. Designing backdrop and decor for the night
5. Organising sound and lights
6. Sourcing respected environmental speakers to give short (5 min max), impacting environmental messages. Liaising with these speakers to ensure smooth delivery.
7. Liaising with the media - ensuring effective press coverage and organizing radio and television interviews

... and more, to be discussed at the meeting.

Please call Glen at 645-0157 to confirm attendance and give us an idea of your area of interest. We look forward to your involvement!

Thank you for the good vibrations

2007-07-02T12:29:00.000-04:00

Thanks to those who attended Greenlight's In Time for You vibrational meditational event on Saturday 30th June. Your presence added to the very special vibes of the evening.

For those of you who could not make it:
Upon entering the room, each person selected a shell from a red mailbox at the door. These shells symbolised vessels which would be filled by the positive vibes of the evening.

The evening began with Natasha Holder giving a short talk on affirmations. She then gave us a few moments of silence to think about what we want in life and form an affirmation to claim this desire. This was followed by the passing around of Elspeth's Tibetan singing bowl. As each person received the bowl, he or she mentally placed his/her affirmation into the bowl and passed it along to the next person. After this, those in attendance lay down on their yoga mats and closed their eyes, relaxing as Elspeth played the Tibetan singing bowl. Its vibrating, ringing tones emanated the energy of everyone's affirmations throughout the room for about 15 minutes. Gradually, the sound of waves and whale calls filled the room, bringing yet another vibration into the space of the relaxed and receptive bodies. As the sound of the waves and whales faded, the singing bowl vibrated one final time with a harmonious, single tone - as if everyone's affirmations had come together as one powerful force. The evening ended with each of us giving and receiving shells with the understanding that the more we give, the more we receive ... and that sometimes, even when we have nothing in our hands, it does not mean we are 'poor'. In fact, there were times when we each had 'no shells' ... and yet we felt extremely full after our vibrational experience.

The remaining shells were offered back to the sea at the close of evening.

Thanks again to those who were present. We look forward to sharing future events with you (and others)!

Greenlights

--

In Time for You

2007-06-22T19:56:00.000-04:00

IN TIME FOR YOU

A meditational vibrational experience.

Date: Saturday 30 June
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Venue: The Centre for the Arts, 1 DeVerteuil Street, Woodbrook (625-2843)

Bring a yoga mat or thick towel.

Admission: Free

This intimate event is a part of Greenlight Network's (resumed) once-a-month interactive happenings. It is open to anyone who wants to come. All we ask is that you be either early or on time ... (not Trini time)!

Open your mind and come for a new experience.

For more information, please call:
Elspeth - 786-2539
Glen - 789-0786

What are you waiting for?!

2007-06-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

Adopt me!

Name: Purrson
Age: Approximately 10 weeks old
Current address: Vinmer Vet Clinic, Pole Carew Street, Woodbrook (but dreaming of sharing a home with a loving person or people)
Contct: Call Vinmer Clinic at 622-2773 for more information, a visit and hopefully to adopt him!

Please pass this information on to your mailing lists. You never know who will make it Purrson's lucky day! Might even be you ...

Please visit the website of Animal Welfare Network for more information on work they are doing for local animals ... and to get involved if it is in your nature.

Greetings from Toronto

2007-05-23T18:26:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow Greenlights. I am in Toronto now ... and every time I see something environmentally conscious (i.e. everywhere) I wonder when TT will be on that kind of wavelength. That's why Greenlight is here, right?

On Friday there is an outdoor screening of Al Gore's documentary (An Inconvenient Truth). Last night there was a showing of it and discussions and talks afterward. These kinds of events are simple ... but held frequently enough, they can get people talking about what really matters.

Below, two photos I took while walking down the road this morning. This is something we can look at. Not necessarily as 'advertising' ... but public street art that remains up for a long period of time and delivers vital messages.

Bye.

Elspeth.

Capturing nature...

2007-05-17T16:26:00.000-04:00

We welcome three new friends of Greenlight Network, photographers who are doing their part to raise awareness of the importance of preserving nature.

Kai Leigh is only eighteen years old and is already on her way to becoming a world class photographer. The natural environment of Trinidad and Tobago often serves as her inspiration. We wish her luck in the secondary schools category of the BP photography competition.

Navin, who considers himself an amateur photographer, will soon be exhibiting his work at the United Nations building in Port of Spain. A more detailed index of his work can be found at http://www.parray.com

Jonathan has always been an avid photographer who has recently been experimenting with underwater photography. His work is currently on display at the United Nations building in Port of Spain. Anyone who is interested in attending the exhibition can contact Greenlight Network for more information.

Guardian newspaper reviews Greenlight Network Concert

2007-04-27T12:25:00.000-04:00

Newcomers Tie Dye Kitty came out with a bang, performing a strong lyrical song Ask the Dust. Photos: Angelo Marcelle

BY MARSHA MOKOOL

The Greenlight Network staged an environmental concert featuring a diverse range of artistes on Saturday to coincide with World Earth Day.

Global warming also seemed to be the unplanned theme behind the Nature of Sound Concert held at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, Woodbrook.

The air-conditioning unit broke down once again, producing an actual global warming effect in the jam-packed indoor venue.

The concert, a compilation of environmentally and socially-conscious music, was the launchpad for the long-awaited environmental CD —Greenlight Network Vol 1—featuring an eclectic mix of 16 musicians and original artwork covers by local artists.

Mark Ng Wai, a talented 18-year-old reggae artiste and guitarist opened the show just after 6 pm, with an environmental song he wrote for the CD called Supreme Creator.

He was followed by punk rock band Anti-Everything, who stirred the audience with an exhilarating song from the CD entitled The Way We Live Our Lives, protesting against injustice, corruption and racism.

Don’t Panic also sang a song about racial unity, while a screen behind the stage projected images of people holding placards with Fix T&T, Fix Crime, and Every Creed & Race Find an Equal Place.

Founding member of the Greenlight Foundation Elspeth Duncan noted, “I am hearing a lot of songs about standing up for a cause and not being oppressed by those in power.

“We must allow our creative spirit to emerge, instead of our destructive spirit.

“We all have a heart and we all care or else we would not have been here. Everybody can make a little drop in the bucket,” said Duncan.

She said that the Foundation would be hosting an environmental concert on an annual basis.

Tie Dye Kitty, one of the newest pop/rock bands in T&T consisting of vocalist/keyboards Richard Hall from Orange Sky, guitarist/vocalist Sean Young Wing formerly of Smith Tuttle, bassist Arron Ramkelawan of Opium Mystic and drummer Triston Khan of Anti Everything, used this concert to make its premier appearance.

Coming out with a bang and a bunch of high octane adrenaline rush lyrics, they left a lasting impression on the audience.

Hall, who made jokes about osmosis evaporation as he wiped the sweat from his brow, sang a song he wrote for the environmentally conscious CD called Ask the Dust, which addressed the potential extinction of the plant.

Rahil Babooram came on next with a satirical composition about animal rights, drawing applause and laughter from the audience with such lyrics:

“Why must the animals bleed... don’t they realise one day it will be the other way around... and the animals will take you to town.”

He was followed by rock band 5 o’Clock Shadow which performed another track from the CD called Mother Nature’s Warning.

Mike Ross (of 95.1FM) and his two guitarists roused the audience with impressive vocals and lively, rhythmic tunes such as The Cleansing, awakening people about environmental pollution.

Jointpop, another local rock band, ended off the night with Who Shot Paradise, a catchy tune containing a strong environmental message which could also be heard on the CD, and The Water Supreme, a crowd favourite.

The limited edition CD, which also features Brother Resistence, Elspeth Duncan, Sheldon Manoo, Glenford Bhagat, Malik, John Pollard, Namid Lancaster and Ozymajiq, will be offered for sale at a cost of $100 at venues to be advertised.

For more information, please call

645-0016, 758-7915 or 786-0789

Nature of Sound concert a sell out success

2007-04-23T11:31:00.000-04:00

Last night's Greenlight Network concert, Nature of Sound, held at Trinidad Theatre Workshop in Belmont, was a sell-out success. Members of the audience were wowed by thought-provoking, environmentally inspired performances by some of the musicians featured on the long awaited compilation CD ... Greenlight Network Vol. 1: The Nature of Sound

Below are a few photos from the event.

The special first edition of the CD, on display in the concert venue's lobby. Each CD had a unique cover created by a local artiste. Most of these CDs were sold on the night, but some are still available for those who wish to own a collector's item. Contact Glen at 645-0157 to make your purchase, or e-mail Greenlight at the address provided in the sidebar.

Opening act, Mark Ng Wai, honours The Supreme Creator

Brian Khan of Anti Everything moved the crowd with an acoustic rendition of "The Way We Live our Lives"

Glenford Bhagat courageously made his solo debut with two 60's style renditions

Don't Panic didn't panic. They simply gave a performance which won rave reviews from those in attendance.

Tie Dye Kitty was hot ... in more ways than one. Global warming?

Sir Rahil Babooram was a powerful voice for animal rights.

Anil (lead singer of 5 O'Clock Shadow) gives us "Mother Nature's Warning"

Special guest, Mike Ross, had the crowd clapping and singing along to "The Cleansing".

Jointpop asked the important question: "Who Shot Paradise?"

(Photos: Elspeth Duncan)

The Nature of Sound concert was merely an appetizer. Stay tuned for the larger concert to come ... Woodstock style, featuring all of the performers on the CD ... and more.

Thank you to all who invested their time and energy to make our first environmental concert a resounding success. May we all continue to play our role in bringing healing and consciousness to our inner and outer environments.

All proceeds from ticket and CD sales benefit future Greenlight Network creative environmental projects.

Nature of Sound: The Concert

2007-04-05T22:19:00.000-04:00

Spread the word! There's never been a concert like this ...

For ticket information please call Shivonne at 758-7915.

Above is the flyer for Greenlight Network's upcoming concert on Earth DaySunday 22 April 2007. This concert, Nature of Sound, will be the launchpad for the long awaited environmental CD: Greenlight Network, Volume 1 ... featuring an eclectic mix of local musicians (both solo and group):

5 O'Clock Shadow

Anti Everything

Brother Resistance

Don't Panic

Elspeth Duncan

Glenford Bhagat

John Pollard

Jointpop

Malik

Mark and Joey Ng Wai

Navid Lancaster
Ozy Majic

Rahil Babooram

Sheldon Manoo

Tie Dye Kitty

At the Nature of Sound concert we will be selling 50 special first edition Greenlight Network CDs, each sporting a unique CD cover with original artwork created by different local artists.

Seating for 60 only, so buy your tickets now!
*
All proceeds benefit environmental projects.

Inviting artists to create an original CD cover

2007-03-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

Artists ... join us as we bring the Greenlight Network CD project into full bloom.

The CD Project
This project is a CD (Greenlight Network Vol. 1) containing original musical contributions by 16 members of the Greenlight Network. Our aim is to sell 500 of these CDs (in the first instance) to raise money for Greenlight’s creative environmental projects.

Original Artwork Needed

We are asking for original artwork to be created (and donated to the cause) by artists/artistic individuals (for the first 50 CD covers). 50 pre-cut CD covers (heavy card) are available for this. Each completed CD cover will be a collector's item which the purchaser of the CD may want to frame. These ‘50 CDs with original artwork covers’ will be sold at a special price to raise money to duplicate the 500 CDs (first run) and print the actual covers for those CDs.

INTERESTED? Get your (blank) CD canvas cover and get started now!

Unique. Innovtive. Thought provoking environmentally conscious artwork. If you or any other artist you know would like to create at least one special edition CD cover, please let us know as soon as possible via e-mail (see link in right hand sidebar). The blank CD cover ‘canvas’ can be collected in the East at Greenlight's Headquarters: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe. Please call Glen at 789-0786 for directions.

GUIDELINES
1. Theme: the cover should reflect ‘Environmental Concsciousness’ (whatever that term means to you/however you interpret it visually). Remember, this canvas is a mini billboard for vital and conscious messages ... and a potentially frameable work of art.
2. Cover must be handmade/hand done
3. Artwork must be flat, not raised (remember it is slipping into a CD jewel case)
4. Cover should have your visual artwork only (no text). The reverse side should have a simple environmental statement from your heart and your signature as the artist.

Please submit on or before Saturday 31st March to Glen @ 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe (789-0786) or contact Shivonne at 758-7915 to arrange drop off to her in Port-of-Spain.

Pass this link on to an artist!

Thank you!

Please Stand

2007-01-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

Click here to see the PLEASE STAND video.

If your connection is slow, the video may take a while to download,

but please be patient and you will be able to view it.

We as citizens of T & T are constantly being called upon to stand up and make a strong statement that we have had enough. None of us are in favour of the atrocities that are destroying our country.

Greencard 2006

2006-12-22T18:23:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who joined us and/or helped us in any way - big or small.

You made our first year, 2006, a fruitful one ...

and we look forward to

continued networking

with you

in 2007.

May God bless you and yours,

keeping you safe and light

over the coming times.

Newsflash: Greenlight CD update

2006-12-14T21:28:00.000-04:00

Several alternative musical artistes and bands from Trinidad & Tobago have come together to produce a 16 track CD which will be sold to raise money for future Greenlight environmental events and projects.

The CD promises to be an eclectic offering, with each artiste/band doing one piece each. The intention is to launch the CD, entitled GREENLIGHT (Volume 1), in March next year at an outdoor, Woodstock style concert featuring the CD's performers. Stay tuned!

See you on Thursday 16th November, 2006

2006-11-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights (and anyone interested in coming along to see what we are about) ...

Our next fortnightly meeting will take place on

Thursday 16th November, 2006

from 6:00 p.m.

at our headquarters: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe.

We will be discussing:

1. The CD project

2. Our next interactive creative street event for raising public awareness

3. Anything else members which to raise

See you there!

Anti-smelter march in London

2006-10-20T15:04:00.000-04:00

Placard of protest (Trinidad, 2006)

Many of you have probably already heard of the international anti smelter demonstration (Trinidad and Iceland march) taking place in London on 27 October 2006. What they are doing is right up Greenlight's alley - a 'theatrical and interactive event' taking place in the streets to raise awareness. The organisers have christened the march as 'a funeral march to mark the murder of Karahnjukar, Iceland, and the impending murder of the Cedros Peninsula, Trinidad, at the bloody hands of Alcoa and heavy industry.'

They go on to say: 'Set in one of the financial capitals of todays Empire, this protest will mark the beggining of the joint struggle against the heavy industrial invasion of both Iceland and Trinidad.'

Read the full article here.

It has been suggested/requested that as a mark of solidarity, we wear all black on that day. Whatever else you/we can creatively do to echo the sentiments being expressed in London on the 27th, bring it forth.

Meeting to discuss the CD

2006-10-16T07:01:00.000-04:00

Date: Thursday (19th October)
Time: 6 p.m.
Venue: Glen's house: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Greenlight CD project. Thus far, several musicians have agreed to do a song for the CD, which we aim to have done in time for Christmas. The venture will be a combination of fundraising, awareness and entertainment rolled into one.

If you are a 'conscious' performer who would like to be a part of the CD, please be at the meeting. If there are any questions, simply send us an e-mail.

Meeting

2006-09-25T19:53:00.000-04:00

Chaconia, the national flower of T & T

There will be an important Greenlight meeting this Thursday 28 September from 6:00 p.m. sharp at Glen's house, 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe. We will be discussing our present state of being and our immediate steps forward. Please try to attend.

Beauty and the Beast Exhibition

2006-09-18T22:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

This Saturday 23 September, 2006 ... the Rights Action Group invites us to come down to the Chatham Camp (anti smelter) for a day of solidarity, conversation, creativity, performances, etc. with the residents of the area. Those of you who have never been to the southwestern peninsula, it is worth the drive. You'll understand in a much deeper way why these people are fighting so hard to protect their beautiful living space from ALCOA and the other industrial giants that want to 'set up shop'.

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE
As Greenlights, we project our messages through creative missions. The idea is that anyone coming on Saturday will bring a camera and capture things or moments that you find 'beautiful'. Please don't feel shy or intimdated or that you have to be 'a real' photographer to be a part of this. We want as many people as possible, with honest, heartfelt images of their experiences on the day. Out of the photos you take, choose one which you find the most moving or impactful, develop it to as large a size as possible (e.g. 8 x 12 is a good enough average size) and each of these pieces will be exhibited as a collective (details of venue, etc. to follow). Inevitably the pieces will reflect the 'beauty' of the area - however you choose to define beauty, whether it be in literal or abstract terms. Invite as many people as you want to come down and be a part of this venture. More people = more solidarity, more photos, more impact.

THE EXHIBITION
The name of the exhibition (working title): BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. We all know who 'THE BEAST' is ... but many people do not know 'THE BEAUTY'. The mission is to expose THE BEAUTY to a wider national audience by taking it out of Chatham in artistic form, through the travelling exhibition pieces. Through this artistic projection we can be informative about the struggle in a different way. (N.B. Those who prefer to 'capture' the beauty as a painting or drawing may also do so).

TRANSPORT TO GO DOWN TO CHATHAM
Those who wish to go may do so on their own or can choose to drive in convoy/ or car pool. If interested, please e-mail for further details and directions.

"I DO 2" trailer (literally)

2006-09-04T18:56:00.000-04:00

Click here to see a short video clip of the I DO 2 bride as she takes her first steps onto the streets of Arima on the morning of Saturday 2 September, 2006.

I DO 2 - photo recap

2006-09-02T15:07:00.000-04:00

This time around it felt like a real wedding. The "bride's" mother was fussing over her early in the morning, people were running late, some cancelled, a bouquet had to hurriedly be made by Terscha's (the bride) mother who happens to be a florist.

Terscha helps her mother with the bouquet, crafted from an assortment of rubbish.

Upon arrival in Arima

After a slightly later than anticipated start, we reached to Arima. The small entourage accompanied the bride along the designated route: From corner Queen & Sorzano Streets, Arima, down Queen, past the dial to the market and back up to Sorzano via the other block. We were joined along the way by a few other Greenlights and friends.

Terscha's footwear made a fashion statement and kept her comfortable on her bridal trek

Trying to find some shade.

It was a really hot day ... and it couldn't have been easy walking in that hot, heavy dress.

The trail. By the time we reached the market, not many bottles were left.

The bouquet

Note the garbage in the drain. We stood here for a while talking to some people. During this time one of the women from the stores came and swept up the rubbish and put it in a bin. Talk about instant impact.

Photos courtesy Elspeth

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

PUBLIC SUGGESTIONS

Generally the vibe in Arima was different from that in POS. Apart from having a different bride, different entourage of people, etc., the people seemed to be more interested in the idea and what was going on. Very many of them offered useful suggestions which we will incorporate the next time. Some of these included:

1. Have a sound system (e.g. megaphone) announcing her arrival, what she represents, reciting the pledge, etc.

2. Print the pledge to give to people along with Greenlight contact information for those who want to join

3. Have a bigger entourage to accompany the bride, along with music ( incidentally we were planning to have a rhythm section using rubbish items like tin cans and bottles. This will be incorporated in the next stint).

4. One man pointed out that awareness is one thing ... but people need bins in order to throw their garbage away. he was making a good point. There were hardly any bins ... but that doesn't mean the drain should act as a substitute.

IRATE CITIZEN

A few people seemed to be not too taken with the idea of a bride walking on the sidewalk dragging bottles behind her. They either sucked their teeth and moved on when we explained what we were doing or simply cast disdainful looks as they passed us. One woman, perhaps not looking where she was going, tripped over the bottle trail and began shouting. Part of her brief tirade included: "What is dis?! CARIFESTA?!!!" (Well, actually we have discussed letting the bride make an apperance or two at selected CARIFESTA events)

NOT AS DIRTY

Arima is not as dirty as POS. By the time we had finished the walk, the hem of the dress was only slightly dirty ... as opposed to when Gab did it (it was black).

TRINI TIME

The police never turned up. They called as we were well on our way back home to ask where we had reached and to announce that their men had reached to work late. Oh well. (gayelle couldn;t make it, but ...) one of the TV stations called around the same time as the police to find out where we were! "We are on our way home ..." Did they both think we meant "Starting time 8:00 p.m.?"

Special thanks to:

Mother Nature for great weather.

All who braved the hot sun and traffic to be a part of it.

Members of the public who participated and showed interest.

Terscha for playing the bride/Environment.

Terscha's mum for making the bouquet.

Glen for transporting the entourage.

Terscha's friends/relatives for letting us park in their yard.

Chanzo for the pistachios.

For those who missed the meeting

2006-08-31T20:26:00.000-04:00

A successful meeting was had this evening. The following are the details in point form, just to give an idea for those who were not able to be present.

As scheduled, I DO 2 will be happening on Saturday 2 September 2006 in Arima. Click here for details on the starting point and the route.

1. Those who want to travel in the car pool can meet at 7:00 a.m. at Glen's house, 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe. We will leave for the latest by 7:15 a.m. and head to our starting point in Arima.
2. Terscha will play the bride/Environment
3. Michelle will be her 'assistant', carrying the garbage bag and playing the bottle and spoon for the wedding march and to draw attention to the procession
4. Items to be supplied:
- Green wool - Elspeth
- Printed pledges, face paint and bridal face painting - Janessa
- Scissors - Glen
- Bottle and spoon, bridal bouquet - Michelle
- Vikash - questionnaire to monitor public feedback/comments
- Video documentation - Rosanna
- Photography - Elspeth

Members of the 'wedding party' who will be reading out the pledges to members of the public (and tying the green commitment bands on their wrists), please wear white tops and blue jeans.

Other ideas that came up in the meeting:
1. Getting a bridal shop to sponsor a nice new wedding dress.
2. In addition to using the bride on the streets, take her to other events (e.g. concerts and plays) in which a captive audience will be exposed to her 'out of the blue'. This will also give us the opportunity to say more about her, possibly even having the bride herself say a few words.
3. Getting the bride to attend public environmental meetings (e.g. public consultations held by companies like ALCOA; any other public meeting that has to do with the environment, etc.).
4. Getting a dramatic group to develop a play incorporating the bride and her trail of bottles as a central figure
5. Putting an ad in the papers which is simply our original invitation minus the street route details (see below). It will simply feature the photo of the bride with her trail, the pledge, the Greenlight logo and website address and the logo of our sponsor.

I DO 2 ... the route

2006-08-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

The following is the route for Saturday 2 September

Gather at Sorzano Street, walk down to Queen Street, cross the Arima Dial, down Queen to the Arima Market, turn right to the Arima Council Car Park (opposite FCB).

The other alternative (if you don't know Arima and are not good with directions) is that we meet on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. at Glen's hosue - 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe - and do a car pool to the meeting point. Those interested in doing this, please do either or both of the following:
(a) Send us an e-mail
(b) be at the meeting on Thursday 31st, 6 p.m., 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe

Important meeting for I DO 2

2006-08-28T20:07:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights (and anyone else reading this who is interested),

Image of the bride representing the Environment - I DO (part 1), Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - 5 August, 2006

There will be an important meeting this Thursday 31 August at 6:00 p.m. at Glen's house, 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe.

The purpose of this meeting is for us to work on the bride's bouquet and tiara and finalise details (map, transport and any other elements) for the I DO (part 2) procession on Saturday 2 September in Arima (further details and map of route to come by end of week).

Please respond to this if you will be able to make it to that meeting. Please also give us an indication of how many people plan to come to the procession in Arima so we can try to organise transport or car pooling if necessary.

I DO 2

2006-08-21T07:10:00.000-04:00

A quick reminder that the follow up to the I DO project will take place on Saturday 2 September 2006 in Arima. So keep that day open if you intend to be a part of it. The exact meeting time, route and other details will be supplied closer to the date.

What has been done:
1. Yesterday a new bridal trail was made out of the plastic bottles
2. The wedding dress is being cleaned for its second incarnation as "The Environment"

What needs to be done:
1. Michelle to make the bridal boquet and confirm that she will wear the dress and play the bride/Environment
2. Write letter to police requesting permission
3. Plan route
4. Videotape event
5. Photograph event
6. Article
7. Environmental Commitment Vow to be printed an photocopied
8. At least 5 - 10 people to volunteer to be vow-readers/tiers of bands on the day.

Please contact us with any confirmation, suggestions and/or questions concerning the event. Thank you.

Meeting and Mission

2006-08-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the Greenlights who attended today's enjoyable and successful meeting to (a) view the I DO footage and (b) brainstorm our next project, to be taken to the streets on Saturday 2 September, 2006.

It has been decided that we will repeat "I Do", but with a few differences:
1. We will do it in Arima
2. The bride's trail will consist of other kinds of garbage, not just plastic bottles (the comment was made that Trinis love colour and the garbage could be more colourful. Also, different kinds of garbage will bring home the point of separating our garbage into plastics, paper, tin, glass, etc. for recycling. This kind of behaviour will not happen overnight, as many things need to be put in place. But they do it in other countries. No reason why we can't as well one day).
3. Our new member, Vikash, who is a statistical analyst, will be helping us to gather data so we can monitor the effectiveness of our efforts
4. We will print out sheets with information on locally-based companies which deal with the recycling of different materials (to give to civilians)
5. We will have a petition for people to sign re the need for the Government to get moving on implementing the plastic bottle bill
6. Michelle Issava has offered to play the bride this time around and to also make the bouquet (the old one mashed up).
7. We will have more people on the bandwagon

Those interested in being a part of this, please keep in touch. Updates will also be given on this blog/via e-mail.

Viewing and Brainstorming gathering

2006-08-08T10:18:00.000-04:00

Date: Friday 11th August 2006
Time: 6 p.m.
Venue: CCA7 Art Gallery (building #7, Fernandes Industrial Complex compound, Laventille).

The purpose of this is two-fold:

1. To view the footage (about 30 - 45 mins) of the I DO procession

2. To agree on the issue we want to address for our next street project (Sat 2 September 2006) and brainstorm on the creative mechanism we will use to carry our message to the streets and the people. Artists and people with ideas, think of the streets as our massive canvas.

We have already done street projects in Tunapuna/Curepe, POS ... and now we are thinking that heading south should be next. Anywhere from Chaguanas down.

IMPORTANT: If you are coming, please indicate by responding to this message by Wednesday night for the latest ... to give an idea of how many people are coming. This is necessary in order to set up the TV/video in a suitably sized area at CCA7.

I DO photo recap

2006-08-05T18:10:00.000-04:00

(The vow):

Do you _____________ take the Environment to be your lifelong companion, to protect her and cherish her, respect her and honour her through all seasons, in good times and in bad ... forever?

For those who were unable to make it this morning to the I DO procession, here are a few of the many photos of what turned out to be a very enjoyable and impactful morning.

The Environment (symbolised as a bride) was played by Gabrielle Hosein. Here she stands in her 'dressing room' (the bandstand in Woodfrod Square) just before we hit the streets of Port of Spain. Thanks to Tersha and her mother for making the bridal bouquet out of all kinds of junk and rubbish (cigarette boxes, aluminium cans, cardboard things, tissues, plastics, etc. In other words, things we often see floating in the drains).

Walking across the grass of Woodford Square with her trail dragging behind her.

A pity we didn't see this earlier. We might have been offered free parking.

Yes, it would be a wonderful world if people wouldn't litter (among other things).

Self explanatory.

Crossing the street at Independence Square

Janessa ties a commitment band around the hand of a citizen. Many people committed to the environment. There were those who really looked as though they meant it, those who were into it for the fun/curiosity, those who wanted to be on TV, those (male) who wanted to simply gawk at the bride.

Say it loud.

A group of youths dressed in green gravitated towards the bride. Several of them were among the many for the day who said I DO and cut bottles from her trail to free her from the 'strangulation' of garbage.

Homelessness. Another issue.

David reads the vow to some little children.

The little boy cuts a bottle from her trail and deposits it in the bag we provided.

Thanks to:

All of the members of Greenlight who were a part of this.

Gabrielle Hosein (for playing the bride/Environment)

Sonja Dumas (for lending us the dress, which she had acquired from a garage sale)

Gayelle TV (for always being there)

CNC3 TV (to the camera man who could not find us and turned up at the end but still captured a good final moment)

The members of the public who committed

Mother Nature (for giving us great weather)

Route change for I DO procession

2006-08-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Invited Guests.

Instead of meeting on Brian Lara Promenade for the I DO procession (on Saturday 5th August, 2006), we will be meeting on Woodford Square within the 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. timeframe. The bride will begin her walk down Frederick Street, around Cipriani Circle (roundabout near KFC) in the road past RBTT and up Abercromby back to Woodford. This change is necessary since the police only told us today that we also need to get permission from the Promenade Committee and the City Corporation. Got permission from the latter but decided against Promenade as it will cost $1,250. Beyond the budget for this environmental wedding.

The 'I DO' Project

2006-07-26T13:39:00.000-04:00

Do you want to be a part of Greenlight Network's latest first-Saturday-of-the-month project:?

I DO.

Do you promise to tell your friends and family about it so that they will come too?

I DO.

This project is interactive environmental street theatre. The 'bride', who represents "The Environment" will walk along the designated route, dragging her trail of plastic bottles behind her. These bottles are symbolic of the carelessly tossed bottles which clog our waterways and cause flooding and which need to be recycled or, at least, disposed of properly.

As 'the Environment'/bride walks from the far west of Brian Lara Promenade to Woodford Square, those of us assisting her will stop random members of the public and read the 'Environmental Vow' to them (see vow written on invitation). Once a citizen says "I do", we will tie a piece of green cord around his/her hand to signify commitment to a healthy environment ... and he/she will get to cut a bottle from the bridal trail and symbolically place it in a garbage bag.

By the end of the 'wedding march', the bride/Environment will be free of the plastic bottles which have been strangling her beauty. The bottles will be properly encased in garbage bags which will then be taken to Recycling in Motion where they will be crushed or chipped for export (to be recycled abroad).

If you would like to be a bridal attendant on the day, please write to Greenlight Network and let us know so that we can prepare a vow on paper for you. All attendants will wear blue jeans and white tops.

(Thanks to Janessa McKell for bringing the invitation concept to fruition).

I DO ... do you?

2006-07-03T21:09:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights, as you may or may not know ... on the first Saturday of every month we will be having a simple, symbolic, creative event to raise awareness on the streets of T & T. Our event for the first Saturday of July was The REvolution ...

Taking awareness to the streets with the REvolution (July).

The idea for our next first-Saturday-of-the-month project (August) was brainstormed at this evening's meeting. The resulting project is called "I Do" and signifies the commitment made by each individual to care for the environment. As the idea is brand new, some fine tuning must occur over the month of July ... but for now, these are the basics of the project:

I DO

1. On Saturday 5th August, 2006, we will gather on Brian Lara Promenade, wearing white t-shirts and blue jeans so that we look like a cohesive unit. The time frame for this project will be 8 - 10 a.m.
2. Each Greenlight will have several pieces of green wool or ribbon, each of which will signify 'the commitment'.
3. Our mission is to approach people on the promenade and briefly let them know that the green band is a symbol of one's commitment to caring for the environment in any way possible. Inherent in this project is the question: Do you agree to make the extra effort to care for our environment in whatever ways you can? The inherent answer is (hopefully): I do.
4. Once the person says "I do", we tie the green band around their wrist. For as long as the person wears his/her green band (and hopefully even after they take it off), that symbolic gesture acts as a reminder that this person has made a commitment to care for the environment. Such awareness is vital. That green ribbon around someone's wrist could be the reason why they decide to toss their chocolate wrapper in a bin and not in the drain ... keep their beer bottle until they get home rather than pelting it out of the car window ... carry a garbage bag to the beach rather than leave a pile of plastic, KFC boxes and styrotex on the sand ...

As project details are developed, we will update via this blog. There is a lot more to come out of this particular venture as the month unfolds. Those who want to be a part of I DO are welcome to sign up early.

REcap of the REvolution

2006-07-01T14:39:00.001-04:00

First of all, thank you very much to all who were a part of the Greenlight REvolution earlier today. It was REally fun and very uplifting not only for us but (from comments we overheard and even from a comment left on this site mere hours after the procession) for people who witnessed us walking along the Eastern Main Road towards Curepe. Without going into too many wordy details, suffice it to say this event was a success, despite the rain. In fact, rather than keeping us back, the rain cooled us down as we walked from Tunapuna to Curepe Junction, accompanied by the police and a camera man from Gayelle TV. Curious people along the way were handed small call cards with our Greenlight web address and a few RE words to help them understand what this REvolution was all about.

Before we launch into a few of the many photos ... just a quick note to say that our next meeting is on Monday 3 July (this Monday) from 6 - 8 p.m. ... 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe. We will be recapping the REvolution and planning for our next symbolic creative event, which will take place on the first Friday or Saturday of August.

The rain held us back at the beginning. Here, a few members shelter under the canopy of a $10 store before taking to the streets.

This photo is both poignant and ironic. The street woman seems to be saying: "Don't pass me by. Remember me ..."

Reveal the Truth with every step you take in this life.

Even the rain could not keep us back. The placard with REFLECT should have been in this shot.

Ras Iton rides into Curepe on his 'local transport' - a skateboard.

After the walk, Malik kicks off our concert on the sidewalk with some hip hop poetry outside of Sidewalk Radio station

Gamma Ghost calls down the spiritual power through his words

Ras Iton sings with reverence for Mother Earth

Glen brings peace and love through his 60's style

Elspeth strums in some vibrations of awareness

Liseli shares some conscious vibes

Janessa reflects on the holistic state of being through her poetry

Any members who would like a full CD of images from the REvolution, please walk with a blank CD to the meeting on Monday 3 July, 2006.

CREDITS

Thanks to:

* All who came and contributed to the REvolution in one way or another

* Sidewalk Radio for doing so many on-air interviews with our members today, for promoting the venture in the 2 week run-up and for supporting us in general

* The police for clearing the way

* Azena for Radio 105 for seeing us, stopping and asking what was going on and giving us coverage via cellphone to the station

*Gayelle TV

* Chanzo Greenidge for making copies of the DVD with the three anti-smelter videos and distributing them along the way

Join the Greenlight REvolution

2006-06-23T21:10:00.000-04:00

Join us on Saturday July 1st, 2006

from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
for the Greenlight REvolution.

Meeting point: Corner of St. Vincent Street and the Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna (the street just before the market)

Meeting time: 7:30/7:45 a.m. (if driving, park on St. John Road, the road to the Mt. St. Benedict - it's easy and safe).

What to wear: Blue jeans and white t-shirt

What to bring: Yourself and at least two friends. Each person will be given a placard with a positive 'RE' word written on it

What we will be doing: Walking from Tunapuna to Curepe junction (holding the placards), where several acoustic performers and poets will stage a small concert on the sidewalk in front of Sidewalk Radio station.

What is the purpose of this? To create positive change. REjuvenate ourselves. REnew the environment. REbuild our society. The REvolution starts with us.

* Sidewalk Radio will be covering the walk live (call-in reports and comments to the station by special announcer en route).

* The movement will also be documented on video, complete with casual interviews with the public and participants.

There will be a small 'street concert' on the sidewalk at the end of the walk. Acoustic guitars and poetry will be out in the open. Performances will be related to Greenlight’s mission of ‘healing our inner and outer environments’ – i.e. positive, conscious, awareness raising, etc.

JOIN US.

It will be fun.

To sign up for a specific word or just to say that you will be coming, send us an e-mail.

REJOICE
REBIRTH
RECYCLE
REINCARNATE (Shivonne)
REDEVELOP
RECHARGE
REBUILD
REJUVENATE (Navi)
RECUPERATE
REMEMBER
RETURN
REINVENT
RESERVE
REFUEL
RELIVE
RELAX
RECOVER
REPLENISH
REVIVE
REUSE
REFLECT
RETRIEVE
RESTIMULATE
REPLACE
RESPECT
RESPOND
REDISCOVER
REAWAKEN
REWRITE
RESOLVE
RESEARCH
REFORM
REHABILITATE
REUNITE
REVERE
REPAIR
RE-EVALUATE
REWARD
REVITALISE
REGENERATE
REPRODUCE
RECONCILE
REFOCUS
RE-ESTABLISH
REDESIGN
RECREATE
REGARD
RECONNECT
REVEAL
RELIVE
REGROUP
REINVIGORATE
REKINDLE

Meeting recap

2006-06-07T22:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

Coconut tree at Balandra

A quick recap of our meeting on Tuesday 6th June, 2006. Thanks to those who attended the meeting. Your input was invaluable and we feel we are building a strong team of people who will get things done whilst having fun in the process.

The following points were discussed:
1. This Saturday (10th June), some of the Greenlights will be going back to the mangrove area in Felicity, Chaguanas to see how possible it will be to collect more plastic bottles for recycling (The R.E.B.I.R.T.H. project). The area has been/is being dredged, so the pathway is not as user friendly, but it may still be possible to get work done on foot. Those interested in going with Glen and crew can meet at Glen's house/Greenlight headquarters (21 Lyndon Street, Curepe) at 6:00 on Saturday coming. For more information, e-mail Greenlight.

2. We discussed Greenlight t-shirts (several print quotes are being investigated). The plan is to print round-necked tees (logo & funky environmental design) for casual wear and button-up polos (with logo on front pocket only) for meetings. We would love artists/creative people in the group to develop designs (for the funky round-neck) so that a favoured design can be selected. Design submission requirements (for funky round neck t-shirt) will be properly outlined in a separate e-mail. But for now, artists, start thinking - and remember to include the logo in your concept. (Other specifics to come).

3. On Saturday July 1st we will be gathering in Tunapuna market at 8 a.m. for The REvolution. We will need over 50 people for this venture, which will take us from Tunapuna to Curepe junction by 10 .m. Sidewalk Radio has expressed interest in teaming up with us on this venture - assisting through announcements, live radio call ins frmo the road during the 2 hours of our project on that day, etc. An outline of this project will be written up and sent to the group in the near future so you will know exactly what this positive movement is all about.

4. We discussed THE SOURCE, our Woodstock-style whole day environmental concert - now carded for October. Two venues (in the East) are being investigated, artistes are to be contacted, sponsors sourced and other elements put into place. Let us know if you are interested in being a part of this (committed) core organising team.

Our next meeting will be on Monday 19th June

from 6 p.m. at 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe

(jot it down in your dairy).

All of the points listed above will be fleshed out further at this meeting.

Happy World Environment Day

2006-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

... even though we believe that every day is Environment Day.

Important invitation

2006-05-31T14:49:00.000-04:00

(Press Relase from Rights Action Group)

Local environmental lobbyists The Rights Action Group (RAG) will host a special 'Helltuh Smelta' event on Monday June 5, World Envrionment Day. Not to be left out of the football fever sweeping the nation, the smelter warriors are asking all concerned citizens on World Environment Day to come out and defend the goal of the citizens who have spoken out against the building of the smelters in Trinidad. The red card event which will take place in the Back Studio at the CCA7 facility on Fernandes compound in Laventille, will feature presentations from RAG, high school students, updates from the affected communities of the south-western peninsula as well as performances and visual presentations. RAG will also speak to the issue of alternative forms of development that are clean and sustainable and do not involve a haemorrhaging of our natural resources. RAG is also calling on all citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to plant trees on World Environment Day as a direct action response to the very alarming trend of clearing of prime and potential agricultural land for the construction of concrete jungles, in a time when the nation's food importation bill is in the billions. RAG was established by a group of concerned citizens around the country in solidarity with the communities of the south-western peninsula protesting against the imposition of aluminium smelters. Admission to this event is free. Kick off time is 6.45pm. For further information, please call 718-0480.

DVDs now available

2006-05-23T13:10:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

First, thank you to those who turned out to Monday's meeting (22 May, 2006). Copies of the DVD (approx 15 mins in length) containing the three videos produced by Greenlight members are now available.

1. A - Z of Aluminium Smelters (Elspeth Duncan)

2. Use Your Voice (Dem Chirren Productions)

3. Please Stand (E. Duncan)

These videos, ranging from the 'artistic and symbolic' to the 'realistic', revolve around the core theme of the proposed aluminium smelters and aim to raise awareness around the issue. As such, we are asking that everyone who gets a DVD makes at least two copies which they will then give to others ... who will then make at least two copies and pass those on ... and so on and so on and so on. We also welcome donations of blank DVD-R discs.

For your free copy of the DVD compilation,

please contact Greenlight Network using the e-mail link on the sidebar.

At this meeting we also started discussing THE SOURCE, a series of upcoming environmental concerts/artistic events, to be held on the first Saturday of every month this year (in the first instance). Stay tuned for more on this innovative Greenlight venture as plans unfold.

Baby white tipped dove

2006-05-13T11:53:00.000-04:00

Photo: Elspeth Duncan

God loved the birds and invented trees.

Man loved the birds and invented cages.

- Jacques Deval -

A tulip kiss from Canada

2006-05-09T22:24:00.000-04:00

Photo: Shereen Ali

Dear Greenlights,

The above photo was sent to us today by our second Canadian member, Shereen Ali, along with the request to "send tulip kisses for all."

A little about Shereen: she is a writer and graphic artist living in Edmonton, Canada. She is also a volunteer for CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wildnerness Society) and has been involved in The Great Human Race, an annual charity race for all kinds of charities. When she thinks about the kinds of projects she can get into as an international Greenlight member, she envisions simple things like planting flowers in barren areas (she planted the tulip in the photo above), conserving energy, building massive 'Minshallesque' puppets to act out green themes ... and she also suggests having activities like short story competitions for children - with the 'winners' being featured on our Greenlight website. Speaking of websites, she points us the website of environmentalist David Suzuki, who won the Order of Canada for his work in environmentalism. If you check out the site, note the Nature Challenge, which outlines ten very simple ways to make a positive change and conserve Nature. (There's even more that can be added to such a list). The good thing is, as we hopefully all know, contributing to positive change does not have to include dramatic, large scale efforts requiring masses of money and the support of big corporations in order to be effective. The smallest actions done by simple, everyday people like us can have tremendous impact, especially when we are sincere and consistent with it.

Recap of meeting: Mon 8 May, 2006

2006-05-09T07:51:00.000-04:00

An ironic sign at the garbage-ridden site of the mangrove clean-up project

Dear Greenlights,

Yesterday’s meeting was held successfully at our headquarters, 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe, from 6 – 8 p.m. There was a good turnout.

After preliminary discussions about the first stage of the R.E.B.I.R.T.H. project (Sat 6th May 2006), we viewed the video footage from the day and came up with ideas for a series of 30 sec – 1 minute awareness videos. Some of the footage sent simple but powerful messages:

E.g.

- a large crab in the water trying its best to eat a heavy piece of plastic (“I live on a diet of plastic because that’s all there is to eat in the swamp now.”)
- a dead cayman floating belly up in the water with a massive fly playing on its belly, surrounded by floating waste (leaves, plastic and other objects), whilst some men peacefully fish with their net cast in the floating debris

The edited pieces will be unleashed on the public in a variety of ways, alerting regular citizens and corporate bodies to the harsh realities of their casual tossing of rubbish and bottles in drains, etc. Blue Waters and Coca-Cola were starring.

We closed the meeting by discussing ways in which we can improve our R.E.B.I.R.T.H. operations and came up with the following:
1. Start earlier (when its cooler): 6 – 9 a.m.
2. Bring a cooler with chilled bottles of (sponsored) water for the crew
3. Have a bucket for unscrewed bottle caps, one person with the task of unscrewing the caps and emptying the bucket into the bags afterwards (this will speed things up)
4. Request a police officer
5. Ask each person to invite at least one friend to accompany them, have small teams of people and offer a prize for the team that collects the most bags of plastic bottles
6. Print t-shirts with our logo and tagline (healing our inner and outer environments), as well as our website address. These t-shirts will be worn at Greenlight activities such as the R.E.B.I.R.T.H. mangrove project
7. Have a small fee of only $5 to be paid by members attending meetings – to cover new gloves, which are just under $5 a pair. If members want to give more at a meeting, that’s up to them. All money collected will go towards Greenlight projects.
8. Later down the line we will erect signs in the mangrove. One member suggested CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS (seeing that it is a cremation site and a place where Hindus worship and place their offerings … in the midst of rubbish. This should not be so). Another suggestion was LEAVE ON A CLEAN NOTE (referring to people who have been liming there, as well as those who are cremated there). We will also arrange later down the line for the Council to provide garbage bag disposal units (for people who lime there) and a large dumpster for them to place their garbage in (to be cleared on a regular basis by the Council). When the place is looking clean and ‘rebirthed’, people should be less likely to see it as a garbage dump. (We are not being naïve – just thinking positively).
9. Go to companies in person (requests for funding) rather than merely sending in letters
10. The next clean up will take place this coming Saturday: 13th May, 2006. Those interested in attending are asked to let Glen know (645-0157) and to meet at his house on the day at 6:00 a.m. (time of departure) to head down to the site in convoy. The clean up will finish at 9:00 a.m.

Those of you who were there on Saturday must be wondering if we will be cleaning up the entire mangrove. This is physically impossible for us to do, given the vast amount of garbage dumped there. We ultimately hope to increase the size of our crew, have a clean up about 2 Saturday’s a month (understanding that not everyone can make it every time), focus on picking up the plastics (for recycling) and organize for the Chaguanas Council or some other authority to handle the cleaning up of other types of waste: the styrotex, old fridges, tyres, paper/cardboard, dead animals, etc.

How long this will take is anyone’s guess, but by the end of it, it should be looking like the sacred space it is supposed to be. If you know of people who want to assist, please let them know and get in touch.

A very quick update

2006-05-06T19:07:00.000-04:00

Just three of the many plastic bags filled with plastic waste gathered today by Greenlights.

The mangrove looks on in the background.

Dear Greenlights,

This is a very quick update:
1. We welcome Shereen, our third international member (second member from Canada)

2. A generous Thank You to the Greenlights who turned up today and endured scorching sun to help clean up the mangrove in our R.E.B.I.R.T.H. project. What we collected felt like a lot … yet it was an iota of the unbelievable mounds of rubbish existing at that site (cremation site in Felicity, Chaguanas). However, our toiling was not in vain. Surely there are parts of the mangrove breathing more freely now! You can see a few of the many photos from the day here. Click on the photos if you want to read the explanations.

3. Our next meeting will be on Monday 8th May, 2006 at Glen’s house: 21 Lyndon Street, Curepe, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. We will be recapping today’s events and discussing upcoming projects.

Our 2nd international member ... from Canada

2006-05-02T17:06:00.000-04:00

The following is a message to the Greenlights from Jayme Gianola, our second international member. Along with her message, she sent two photos of High Park in Toronto, "one of Toronto's beautiful downtown green spaces." Over to you, Jayme.
*****

Photo: Jayme Gianola

Thanks for your invitation to join!

I'm a yoga teacher and writer living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I've been involved in various environmental causes over the past several years. City dwellers are faced with different types of environmental issues: preservation of green space, waste disposal and recycling, and the prevention of suburban sprawl. Being an environmentalist in the city can mean different things to different people. For me, it means biking or using public transit instead of an automobile (I don't own a car), recycling and composting, volunteering to clean up and do gardening in the local park, and speaking out on issues that affect the environment in our province (the placement of new landfills, development in environmentally sensitive areas, etc.). It also means adopting simplicity as a lifestyle, cultivating compassion and awareness for all the city's inhabitants, and being aware of how individual actions can affect the whole.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about the Greenlights and finding ways to get involved!

Namaste,
Jayme

Photo: Jayme Gianola

Greenlight news flashes

2006-04-25T21:10:00.000-04:00

In what is perhaps an effort to entice us to her part of the world, (the other) Elspeth from Tasmania - our first international member - sent this lovely photo via e-mail.

Now we can put an image to what she said in her introductory e-mail about herself: “My parents and sister live in suburbia. I used to live there too until I discovered country life 20 odd years ago: cows and calves, paddocks, beaches, quiet roads, bird life, dolphins occasionally, really lovely. I don't live in that spot now, but I'm only 1/2 hr drive away from it. I look at hills covered in trees, and depending on the weather I can hear the river, which is only a few minutes walk away."

In other news, today about 40-something students from Holy Cross College in Arima signed up for the Greenlight Network. Their names have not yet been added to the mailing list, but will be soon. Welcome, boys. You are now part of our rapidly growing Youth Arm.

Today's Greenlight meeting

Today's Greenlight meeting was spent discussing logistics of the mangrove clean up on Saturday 6th May, 2006. Details are here. Thanks to Mr. Manswell (from RIM, the plastic recycling company) for attending the meeting and giving valuable input. All volunteers will be getting a call this week as a final confirmation of attendance on the day of R.E.B.I.R.T.H. (Recycling, Environment, Beauty, Innovation, Responsibility, Truth, Healing).

Mechanics of the process

On the day, for the sake of efficiency, there will be working teams consisting of 3 people each:

1. The Fisher (fishing bottles out of the water with a special contraption)

2. The Drainer (draining water out of the collected bottles and putting them in the bags)

3. The Bagger/Piler (holding the bag open for the Drainer to put the bottles in, then piling the bags into a large heap).

The Plastic Bottle Collection and Recycling Project.

2006-04-21T13:10:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights ... "The Plastic Bottle Collection and Recycling Project" is quite longwinded, so when Glen and I met this morning, we gave it a simpler name: R.E.B.I.R.T.H.

Recycling
Environment
Beauty
Innovation
Responsibility
Truth
Healing

Please jot the following vital information in your diaries.

Date of clean up: Saturday 6th May 2006

Meeting Point: Grand Bazaar, outside of X-tra Foods Supermarket (to go down to location in convoy or in car pools - Imbert would love that)

Assembly time at Grand Bazaar: 7:00 a.m. We can leave some cars there and car pool to go down. Those who don’t have cars can meet at Glen’s house (21 Lyndon Street, Curepe) between 6 – 6:30 a.m. sharp. Any later than that and we will be gone.

Location of clean up: Mangrove area near Felicity cremation site, Chaguanas, Trinidad

Everyone please be on time. The earlier we start, the better (and cooler).

What you need to bring:
Insect repellent
A cap, hat, sunscreen
Bottle of water for drinking
Something simple for lunch

What to wear
Long pants and sneakers

What will be provided
Long gloves
Garbage bags
Soap

Clean up start time: 8:00 a.m.
Break: when you are tired, rest. When rested, return
Finish time:
(i) optional (stop when you can do no more)
(ii) 2 p.m.

Each of our projects will be documented in video and photographs. I have been allocated as the documentor for this initial stage of the mangrove project (photo & video). Documentation will be used for marketing, funding and educational purposes.

We have a creative team with us. Subsequent documentation can be undertaken by Fay or by Liam, Rianna and Anika (Youth Arm).

Click here to see the names of R.E.B.I.R.T.H. project volunteers. Final names will be confirmed at our meeting on Tuesday 25th April, 2006.

Become a Volunteer

2006-04-13T07:43:00.000-04:00

Right now, the mangrove in Felicity, Chaguanas looks like this ... on a 'good day'.

HOWEVER ... Greenlights want it to look like this!

Below is a list with the names of Greenlights who have signed up as volunteers for the mangrove clean-up/plastic bottle recycling project on the weekend of 6th and 7th of May, 2006. This list will be updated as more sign up.

TO VOLUNTEER!

(Volunteers in alphabetical order)

Anika
Cathal
Dyanand
Elspeth
Emma (Liam’s sister)
Fay
Fay’s son
Glen
Liam
Mitra

Ranger Rangbak
Rianna
Rosanna
Sita

The Greenlight Network logo & rationale

2006-04-11T20:42:00.000-04:00

Greenlights, we are moving along swiftly.

Presenting our logo.

The three figures stand for the three aspects of our operations:
1. Creative action
2. Activism
3. Awareness

The three images have multiple visual meanings. They represent:
1. People coming together on behalf of Nature
2. Trees (symbolising Nature)
3. People with their arms upraised, holding green hearts (symbolising love and respect for Nature)

The number three also represents the three eyes with which we see (our vision):
Two, everyday human eyes enable us to see on a practical level what work must be done on behalf of Nature. Our Third Eye, the seat of spiritual vision, empowers us with intuition, heightened awareness and inner guidance, ensuring that our steps lead us in successful and effective directions.

(Logo design: © 2006 Elspeth Duncan)

Mangrove cleanup project

2006-04-08T11:38:00.000-04:00

Dear Greenlights,

We are making progress in our plans for the collection and recycling of plastic bottles (from the mangrove, in the first instance). A few of you have already signed up for the mission.

Those who have attended recent Greenlight meetings will know that Glen, project co-ordinator for this venture, has made contact with Recycling in Motion – the company in San Juan which has agreed to chip or crush the bottles we collect and export the chipped/crushed plastic to global recycling companies.

The time frame for the first (volunteer) clean-up has been pinpointed as

the weekend of 6th and 7th of May, 2006.

A proposal has been written, to send to companies for funding the project.

This image shows a shameful carpet of plastic bottles choking the mangrove in Felicity, Chaguanas. Come on, humans! You know what bins are ... or do you?

Those interested in volunteering to assist with the clean up just have to e-mail us and indicate their commitment. Come and get your hands dirty (or rather, get your gloves dirty) and bring some relief to the mangrove in the Felicity, Chaguanas area.

This is not what mangrove areas were made for.

Love

2006-04-07T12:01:00.000-04:00

Photo: Elspeth Duncan

We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them.

We say we love trees, yet we cut them down.

And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved.

- Author Unknown -

The Greenlight Youth Arm

2006-04-06T11:55:00.000-04:00

We welcome the Youth Arm of Greenlight Network: so far, Liam, Rianna and Anika ... enterprising and creative teenagers with their fingers on the pulse of this nation's major environmental concerns. Have a look at a recent e-mail they sent out to their peers (below):

YOUTH of TrinBago!

Our right to live in harmony with our God-given green, healthy and beautiful environment is being threatened! Our future is in danger! We are the future of this country and right now our tomorrow looks very dim. Are you prepared to let a handful of politicians, decide the fate of our heritage?

The government is willing to destroy the immediate livelihood of our brothers and sisters on the Southwestern Peninsula of our island… IT DOES CONCERN US ALL! Remember we are ONE BODY ONE PEOPLE ONE LOVE! Besides, the effects of a smelter plant are far reaching. We can’t possibly keep all the polluted air in the South!

So you’re probably asking, “What is this about?”

There's a Master Plan in the Island of Trinidad that calls for the industrialization of South Trinidad.TWO ALUMINUM SMELTERS, a dozen other Gas and Energy Based Industries and more. Our main fight is against the two aluminum smelter plants, as they are most hazardous to our country! We pinpoint the company ALCOA (the world’s biggest polluter!), who is behind the bigger aluminum smelter plant proposed in our country and the BIGGEST in the Western Hemisphere!

So PLEASE as an intelligent youth of our nation with rights…
GET INFORMED, GET INVOLVED visit www.nosmeltertnt.com

Invitation to join us

2006-04-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

Photo: Elspeth Duncan

You are invited to JOIN THE GREENLIGHT NETWORK.

We are people who care about the Environment from a heart level and recognize the importance of healing, creating awareness and finding solutions for issues that are affecting our natural surroundings.

Our aim is to not only identify problems and find solutions, but to act and achieve positive, long term transformation. We will associate ourselves with local and international bodies whose expertise will guide and support our actions. For now, our acts may be small but our positive intentions are huge … and with the right support we can move mountains.

Greenlight Network

Plastikeep People (new video)

For the Season

Greenlight music CD to raise funds for projects

What to do with your plastics on 27 June 2010 and beyond

Guide to collecting plastic for recycling

Logo and launch for Plastikeep

Food Security in T & T - a national priority

Important: How to care for an injured baby bird

Greenlight gets Green Fund $upport for Plastic Recycling

﻿Green Fund $$ for 2 projects

What's new?

Meet TOBYN PEARSON, magic man

Meet CAROLINE MAIR, Jazzing it up!

Meet MICHELLE RUDDER, piano virtuoso

Meet ANTHONY ROSE of Exodus

"Green Carpet" ( Greenlight's Environmental Concert 2008)

RED EARTH ECO ARTS FESTIVAL Event listing

Sell your 'stuff' and help the animals

Thank You for coming to Love is Green

Breathe ... by Greenpeace

Love is Green at Alice Yard

Love is Green

Thank You: We Lived the Pledge

Be there!

Tickets are ready!

Green goes big screen: I SPY Environmental documentaries at Movie Towne/TTIFF

Get your tickets while they're hot!

LIVE THE PLEDGE concert ... an update

LIVE THE PLEDGE

Merging our forces for a successful concert

Thank you for the good vibrations

In Time for You

What are you waiting for?!

Greetings from Toronto

Capturing nature...

Guardian newspaper reviews Greenlight Network Concert

Nature of Sound concert a sell out success

Nature of Sound: The Concert

Inviting artists to create an original CD cover

Please Stand

Greencard 2006

Newsflash: Greenlight CD update

See you on Thursday 16th November, 2006

Anti-smelter march in London

Meeting to discuss the CD

Meeting

Beauty and the Beast Exhibition

"I DO 2" trailer (literally)

I DO 2 - photo recap

For those who missed the meeting

I DO 2 ... the route

Important meeting for I DO 2

I DO 2

Meeting and Mission

Viewing and Brainstorming gathering

I DO photo recap

Route change for I DO procession

The 'I DO' Project

I DO ... do you?

REcap of the REvolution

Join the Greenlight REvolution

Meeting recap

Happy World Environment Day

Important invitation

DVDs now available

Baby white tipped dove

A tulip kiss from Canada

Recap of meeting: Mon 8 May, 2006

A very quick update

Our 2nd international member ... from Canada

Greenlight news flashes

The Plastic Bottle Collection and Recycling Project.

Become a Volunteer

The Greenlight Network logo & rationale

Mangrove cleanup project

Love

The Greenlight Youth Arm

Invitation to join us

Green Fund $$ for 2 projects