Several years ago FirstCitizensSportsFoundation selected Demming Communications to coordinate their Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  Karen Da Silva and I collaborated and dreamed up the idea of a young singing MC as opposed to the traditional announcer type.

It took some doing to convince the client but we did and found Jonathan Bishop who must have been about 10/11 years old at the time and overflowing with talent.  He sang, danced and engaged a Hall of more than 300 persons, the youngest of whom must have been at least twice his age.

He gave us a “Cabaret type/Michael Jackson ish” evening of entertainment while still managing to call out the names of the inductees.

Soon after that experience and him being cast in the late Geraldine Connor’s “Carnival Messiah”, his mother moved to London with him because she believed that her son had no future in the land of his birth.  She and Jonathan had a big dream and did what was necessary to achieve that dream.

Several years later, homeboy, Jonathan Johnny BISHOP, Dancer, Singer, Songwriter, Artist, Actor will soon be in the Westend cast of Hamilton – the Musical.  This is big!

His post on Instagram reads: “bishoptheartistAhhh so grateful 🙏thank you Jesus #hamiltonmusical #emsemble thanks Ben @boxartistmanagement”

One of his followers Miniwillets commented: “Your talent is limitless and you truly are a star. The West End and Broadway Need to know who you are! Its time! This is just the beginning. I couldn’t be more happier for you Bishop! Xx”

Another example of the enormous talent springing from Trinidad and Tobago. Whether in the Arts/Academia/Science/Sports our country has enormous talent which is being recognized elsewhere but not at home.

Help me to be patient!

During the month of May, I mourned the death by assassination of Dana Seetahal.  I remember her as embodying the spirit and best example of a patriotic T&T citizen.  I remember her struggling to finish the Marathon.  I remember her gentle yet ferocious spirit.  I remember her relentless struggle for justice and I am still asking, “Where is the justice now for her?  What is the status of the case in the Criminal court?  Will the persons responsible for this heinous act ever be discovered?“

Our nation is in a deep, dark hole where the judiciary is in chaos, the party in power is blatantly supporting misbehaviour in public office and the opposition, though known to be significantly less than suitable is looking like an attractive alternative.  But then we are not quite at mid-term in this political cycle and there is still time for a breath of fresh air to emerge.  I look to the horizon in the hope that enough young people will take their place in this county of their birth and wrest power from my generation who have made their fair share of imperfect decisions.

For now, I move on from Dana hoping for justice.  RIP!