Food Security in T & T - a national priority

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

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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.

Greenlight gets Green Fund $upport for Plastic Recycling

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

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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?

Crab in hole at Maracas Bay

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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

Tobyn Pearson, Canadian magician
(Photo supplied by Tobyn)

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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!

Caroline Mair

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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

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

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

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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)

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.

Love is Green at Alice Yard

(Please click on invite to make it bigger)
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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

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

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!

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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.

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

Tickets are ready!

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!

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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!!

Get your tickets while they're hot!

Ticket design: Brown & Partners
Printer: Andes Printery

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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

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

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

Thank you for the good vibrations

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

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Guardian newspaper reviews Greenlight Network Concert

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

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

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!
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All proceeds benefit environmental projects.