After its closure to the public almost two years ago, the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) plans to reopen its doors in 2022 with a new partner, HADCO Limited.
An official statement issued by Professor Judith Gobin, Chair of the AWNC Board, notes that the Centre’s successfully separated its conservation operations from the ecolodge, paving the way for a new era at Asa Wright
“In September, the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) invited proposals for the operation of the ecolodge at its internationally renowned Spring Hill Estate. The separation of the operation of the ecolodge business will allow the Centre to refocus on its core mission of conservation, education and scientific research,” the release explained.


“In response to the call for proposals, the Centre received a number of proposals from various corporate entities. After a rigorous evaluation and approval process, the Chair on behalf of the Trustees of the Board of the AWNC and the members of the Board are pleased to announce that HADCO Limited emerged as the successful proposer,” it added.
HADCO Limited started in 1992 and “HADCO” has since become a household name in Trinidad and Tobago. While the HADCO Group of Companies is well known for its food and beverage services, within the last five years the group has diversified its business to include two recycling companies. The HADCO Group is now seeking to diversify its business even further, into the ecotourism market.
“The ecolodge at the Asa Wright Nature Centre will be the flagship property of its ecotourism business. AWNC and HADCO will collaborate to transform the operations of the ecolodge at Spring Hill Estate to attain international green certification in sustainable operations,” the statement from the Board revealed.


It added: “Over the next few weeks, the Centre and HADCO will engage in negotiations on the terms of its concession for the operation of the ecolodge. The Centre and HADCO look forward to welcoming our old and new friends and supporters to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Ecolodge at Spring Hill Estate in 2022.”
In addition, while the doors of the Centre were closed, it continued its’ conservation work, and the Board believes this important legacy will be preserved for future generations in light of the new partnership.
“The proposed partnership is one step on the path to creating an immersive experience where present and future generations can learn and understand the value of our natural landscape, flora and fauna, The Centre looks forward to sharing some of its ongoing projects and work through its social media platforms in the near future.” (
Source: CNC3  Dec 20, 2021)

Trinidad-born opera singer Jeanine De Bique will make her debut at the Paris Opera today.
DeBique, who is originally from San Fernando, will play the title role in Alcina, a 1735 opera by George Frideric Handel. 
In the opera, Alcina creates a magnificent palace to lure her many lovers. One of these is Ruggiero, a warrior, who under Alcina’s spell has forsaken his duty and his betrothed, Bradamante.
Alcina by Handel will be staged by Robert Carsen production with musical direction by Thomas Hengelbrock and the Balthassar Neumann ensemble and will run from November 25 to December 30.
In addition to her Paris debut, De Bique is also celebrating the release of her first album Mirrors. The album showcases the arias of female characters from Handel's operas as well as other Baroque composers.
A graduate of St Joseph's Convent, Port-of-Spain, De Bique holds Undergraduate and Masters degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and has performed on major stages all over the world, appearing in the 2018/2019 season in  Handel’s Rodelinda at Opéra de Lille, as Aida in the world premiere of Caruso a Cuba by Micha Hamel at Dutch National Opera, Mahler’s Symphony No 4, conducted by Teodor Currentzis, in Milan, St Petersburg, Munich and Budapest, and Handel’s Messiah with the Melbourne Symphony, among many others. (Source: the Loop, Nov. 25, 2021)

Can you imagine life without indoor plumbing, running water, or electricity? Back in the 1950s and 60s life was simple and all people in the neighbourhood lived a similar daily pattern of life. Children had chores that had to be done and played simple games. Many families in rural areas lived in simple, small houses like the one in this vintage photo . People weren’t well off in those days and there wasn’t the same choice of consumer goods as there is now. The main source of meat and eggs came from the chickens people reared in their back yard. Gifts were mostly things you needed and were often homemade or limited if to one toy per child only at Christmas Time , Children ate whatever food adults had but in smaller quantities and always found ways to amuse themselves .Nothing went to waste that could be used to create games and general amusement . Corks and bottle tops were used to make zwills. A bicycle rim and a piece of stick kept children entertained for hours. Children’s playground was provided by nature itself . Trees to climb , vines to swing on , natural hiking trails , fishing in the river ,fresh air and sunlight .
Most people didn’t own many clothes. Hand-me-downs clothes were the norm with garments being let in and let out to make it wearable. The hair-cut was given at home or usually a neighbour who was handy with the scissors would call in and give every one of the males a trim. My father trimmed my two brothers and my mother trimmed my father’s hair using a barber scissors at home. Castor Oil, Cod Liver oil, Epsom salts, iodex , Milk of Magnesia, Gripe Water , Andrews Liver Salt were commonly found in most home in the place where medication was kept. A bottle of Detol would also be there for cuts and scrapes. All siblings slept together on a fibre mattress on one bed. At a young age children were taught a most valuable lesson in life “ BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AND NOTHING COMES EASY WITHOUT SACRIFICE AND HARD WORK.”
Life in those days was no bed of roses. Walking or driving while talking on the telephone was the stuff of science-fiction movies. Yet people lived happy lives. Today life has changed drastically and a gimme, gimme syndrome has replaced spending wisely and smart on the things we really need the most . If we could readjust our expectations and live just a little more like the golden-age of the ‘50s we would better appreciate the many blessings life has to offer. (Source: Virtual Museum of T&T, Dec 25, 2021)