Daisy Voisin/Port Authority

The High Court has ruled that there cannot be a nativityscene in the Red House, the seat of Parliament, Port of Spain thisChristmas season. This isn't because of any religious reason, they simply have not been able to find three wise men and a virgin in the building. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable. According to Taylor Caldwell “I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.” Well folks, I wish to extend Christmas greetings to all our readers and by extension the national community. In these trying times, I prefer to find comfort in the words of Oren Arnold who had this to say: “Christmas gifts suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To your opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”
I have many things to say this week and I hope my Editor will indulge me. I wish to start off with paying tribute to someone who has left an indelible mark on Trini Christmas over the years. I speak of none other than Alexandra “Daisy” Voisin [September 23, 1924 to August 7, 1991]. Daisy was incredible and undoubtedly the Queen of Parang here in Trinidad and Tobago. During her successful reign she composed "Sereno Sereno", "Daisy Voisin", "Daisy Daisy Daisy", "El Nacimiento de la Verdad" and many others. "Alegria Alegria", was however, her favorite composition.
The fame of Daisy and the La Divina Pastora group took them as cultural ambassadors on missions throughout the Caribbean, Margarita, Venezuela, and North America. She had created such an impact with her performances that she became the most sought-after parang voice in the nation. As a leading cultural personality, she became a household name, not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also throughout the West Indies. In 1982 she received the Parang Association's highest award, a gold medal. This was followed in 1988 with a National Humming Bird Silver Medal from the government. Daisy was not only a parandero, she was a gift from the Creator.

It was unfortunate that the government took so long to honour such an historic national icon. It just goes to show that greatness is rarely appreciated. I still miss Daisy today and when I see her on television or hear her on a CD, it brings back fond memories of Christmas as a child. May her soul rest in peace!
BRACE FOR INFLATION

Given the over-extending inefficiencies at the Port of Port of Spain, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago should brace inflation that may get out of control in the coming year.