Born in Port of Spain and a former student of St. Mary's college.

ATLANTA, October 15, 2024 — The Board of Directors at the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced today the appointment of Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA, as interim chief executive officer of ACS and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), effective November 2. Dr. Frederick, a distinguished health care leader and surgical oncologist, brings a wealth of experience in business administration, medical education, academic excellence and public health to the organization as it continues its mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support.  
“Dr. Frederick’s commitment to improving health care outcomes, particularly as it relates to patient care and research, aligns perfectly with the American Cancer Society’s mission,” said Brian Marlow, chair of the ACS Board of Directors. “As a proven and collaborative leader, we are confident in his ability to maintain and build upon the incredible momentum across ACS during this period of leadership transition.”  
Dr. Frederick is currently president emeritus of Howard University, having served as the institution's 17th president from 2014 to 2023. Under his leadership, Howard University made significant strides in student opportunity, academic innovation, public service and fiscal stability. His tenure accompanied a period of considerable growth and transformation at Howard, including historic enrollment numbers and philanthropic donations.   
“I am deeply honored to join ACS and ACS CAN in this capacity as interim CEO and continue our work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Dr. Frederick. “I look forward to working full-time with the incredible teams at ACS and ACS CAN, and more than a million volunteers across the country, to advance our shared goals of increasing access to care, reducing cancer disparities and improving the lives of patients and their families.”  
A practicing surgeon, Dr. Frederick was recently appointed by the Howard University Board of Trustees as the distinguished Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery at the prestigious Howard University College of Medicine. His academic career began as the associate director of the cancer center at the University of Connecticut. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Frederick has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, abstracts and editorials, and is a widely recognized expert in the fields of health care disparities and medical education. His medical research focuses on reducing racial, ethnic and gender disparities in cancer care outcomes, with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers.  
Dr. Frederick, who joined the ACS Board in 2022, has stepped down from his position on the Board as part of this new interim leadership role. Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, who previously announced her desire to transition from CEO of ACS and ACS CAN after more than three extraordinary years, will remain part of ACS and serve as an Executive Strategic Advisor until early 2025 to support the transition. Her final day as CEO will be November 1. The Board’s search for a permanent CEO remains ongoing. 
  

One of the best known names in Caribbean literature, Sam Selvon, was born on May 20th in 1923!
As an author, Selvon is celebrated for his vivid depictions of Caribbean life and stories of West Indian migration. Many of his later writings drew from his experiences as a member of the Windrush generation of Caribbean immigrants to Britain in the 1950s. His book, “The Lonely Londoners” (1956) is still recognized as one of the first novels to incorporate Caribbean dialects in its telling of working-class migrant life in the UK.
Over the years, Selvon authored a number of books, including “Ways of Sunlight” (1957), “Those Who Eat the Cascadura” (1972) and “Moses Ascending” (1975). In 1976, he co-wrote the screenplay for British film “Pressure” with Horace Ové, celebrated as the UK's first Black dramatic feature-length film.
He was a two-time winner of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, a recipient of the Hummingbird Medal (Gold, 1969) and the Chaconia Medal (posthumously, 1994). In the 1980s, Selvon was honoured with degrees from the University of the West Indies (1985) and Warwick University (1989).
Born in San Fernando, Selvon attended Naparima College before serving 5 years in the West Indian Royal Navy (R.N.V.R) during WWII, on ships in the Caribbean. After the War, Selvon worked as a reporter at the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper (1945-1950). He also wrote stories under pseudonyms and had some of his work broadcast by the BBC. Encouraged by this success, he migrated to the UK in 1950 with the manuscript of his first book “A Brighter Sun” (1952).
In London, Selvon worked several jobs, while his short stories were published by various British magazines. He also produced two television scripts for the BBC: “Anansi the Spider Man” and “Home Sweet India.”
Selvon later moved to Canada, where he became a fellow at the University of Dundee, and a professor in creative writing at the University of Victoria.
He passed away on April 16th 1994 in Trinidad. In 2018, on what would have been his 95th birthday, Selvon was honoured by Google with a “Google Doodle”.
This photo is courtesy of the Sunday Guardian newspaper, May 5th 1963, and is part of the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago Newspaper Collection.
(Source: National Archives of T&T, May 20, 2024)

Trinidadian architect-poet Fawzia Muradali Kane has been named as the second prize winner in Britain’s National Poetry Competition for her poem Eric.
The poem was selected from 19,000 poems from 8,841 poets in 110 countries, which were judged anonymously by the poets Jane Draycott, Will Harris and Clare Pollard.
Born in San Fernando, Kane went to the UK on a scholarship to study architecture. She practised as an architect in Trinidad for some years, and now lives in London. Along with Mike Kane she is co-director of KMK Architects.
Most of Kane’s early poetry is in the form of dramatic monologues, mainly in the voice “Tantie Diablesse”, a 300-year-old folklore character who was an enslaved woman from T&T.
“Tantie Diablesse” (Waterloo Press, 2011) is also the name of her first collection, which was a finalist in the poetry section for the 2012 Bocas Lit Fest prize.
Kane’s poetry has been published in journals including Agenda, Brittle Star, Poetry Review, Poetry London, Poetry Wales, and Rialto.
A selection of her poems was published in MPT Profound Pyromania, which focuses on Caribbean poetry. An illustrated long sequence of poems Houses of the Dead was published as a pamphlet by Thamesis Publications in 2014.
More: https://poetrysociety.org.uk/poems/eric/
(Source: Dominic Kalipersad, May 20, 2024)

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Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Aché Abrahams debuted her national costume during the Miss World Opening Ceremony in India on Tuesday, February 21. Abrahams proudly introduced herself as T&T’s representative, noting that the nation is famous for its steelpan, soca and Carnival.
Her costume, designed by Lost Tribe’s Solange Govia, depicted the Fancy Sailor and channelled the Golden Era of Sailor Mas portrayals, which the designer said acknowledged “the sophistication, vibrancy and power of the mas character.”
Govia explained: “I also started thinking about being a woman in the Carnival industry, and the fact that is also my duty to always honour our womanhood in these sacred traditions. I always want my costumes to remind people that there will always be a place and space for female representation in mas, and I am grateful that Val allowed me this amazing creative opportunity to challenge my design instincts, to inject this sense of femininity and grace into this design, and to just create freely.”
The designer provided some insight into the design elements of the stunning costume.
“From the embellished hat, to the towering collar, to the classic stick, I wanted to pay homage to the opulence that the Sailor Mas experience brings to the streets of Port of Spain. Of course, there had to be a design twist in this Fancy Sailor – the sand-coloured feathered skirt that replaced the bell-bottom pants, to not only represent the first visit of British, French and American naval ships in our nation’s history, but to also highlight where the Caribbean Sea meets the T&T shoreline,” she continued.
“For me, it is this simple reminder that through every storm, women have become ‘the glue’ to the Carnival experience. We bring these powerful elements together to define our legacy, and we will always be pivotal in pushing the winds of change forward,” Govia concluded.
The costume will again grace the stage for the Dances of the World segment.
The Miss World 2024 pageant takes place Saturday, March 9 from 10am - 1pm AST. (Source: The Loop, Feb 21, 2024)

​Dr Kahlil Hassanali is a Senior Researcher with a Ph.D in Maritime Affairs. Although pursuing a doctoral degree was never part of his grand plan, life experiences seemed to inevitably steer him down this path. Now, with it completed, he intends to continue adding to the conversations related to ocean management, encouraging sustainability and contributing to sustainable development. Kahlil overcame imposter syndrome to dive into memorable personal and professional experiences in this incredible journey. We hope this story and path, will help someone who may be thinking about the field or a similar one. Here is Kahlil’s story:
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I always had an appreciation for the environment and outdoors. After living in Morvant until seven years old, my family moved to “green” Santa Cruz, where I did a lot of outdoor activities. From a young age, I always had a natural inclination and interest in the outdoors but my father’s belief that it was better to “go outside and play”, may have ultimately helped to deepen my interest.
“I might as well stick with this”
Now, my academic path may seem clear and all connected. But as a youth, I didn’t always know what I wanted to pursue. I probably could have gone into various fields, but I always seemed to lean toward sciences. My uncle said I would have made “a good lawyer” too but Geography turned out to be my favourite subject at Queen’s Royal College. Perhaps, because I had a great teacher, Ms Winnette Skinner. My love for Geography and my success in it, ultimately placed me into the Environmental category for Advanced Level (A-Level) scholarships. When I won a scholarship, I decided that I might as well stick with this.
By 2010, I had completed both my undergraduate and master’s degrees. I thought that would be it, the end of the academic journey. No more studying for me. So, I came back home and took up a research role at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) in Trinidad and Tobago. I became involved in marine policy research and participated in fellowship programmes to gain further academic and professional experience and cultivate leadership skills. These took me to University of Rhode Island (URI) and University of California, Davis (UC Davis) in the United States.
With these programmes, I was slowly convinced that I could/should do a Ph.D. I just had to find a topic that would hold my interest. Deciding to embark on the doctoral programme was a confluence of a few factors.
In 2018, after returning from a year-long fellowship at University of California, Davis (UC Davis), I wanted to spend an extended period back in Trinidad. But in returning to work, I realised that while I loved my job, the workplace environment at the time was a little challenging.
Around the same time, the intergovernmental negotiations to develop the BBNJ Agreement (an international treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction) were just getting underway. This was a topic that had piqued my interest after working with the T&T Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York during the preparatory stages providing technical advice.
The BBNJ negotiation process and some of the topics involved, were novel and dynamic and I knew it was something that wouldn’t bore me. It was something worth pursuing for a Ph.D. The last piece of the puzzle fell into place when a friend sent me a Ph.D. scholarship opportunity at the newly established Global Ocean Institute (GOI) out of the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.
I still mulled over and delayed in applying because I still wasn’t sure if the time was right, despite all the signs pointing in that direction. I eventually submitted my application, only a few hours before the deadline on Carnival Sunday (just after coming back from a fete and heading out to another one lol).
I found out I got accepted in May 2019 and started in September 2019.
“I have a responsibility to do some good”.
When people hear ‘Maritime’, they rightfully may think of shipping and port management activities. For many years, this was the main focus of the World Maritime University and they have traditionally awarded doctoral degrees in Maritime Affairs. The Global Ocean Institute, however, was established within the University to have a more holistic, integrated look at ocean matters, including across all sectors and from a more environmentally focused vantage point. So, while my Ph.D may be in “Maritime Affairs”, it focuses more on Ocean Governance and my work takes a more cross-sectoral view to ocean management, to encourage sustainability and contribute to sustainable development. By creating and adequately implementing appropriate governance and policy mechanisms, systems and processes we can attempt to mediate and structure society’s interactions with oceans and seas to try to make them  more environmentally conscious and socially equitable so that humans can serve as better stewards of these spaces  while still benefitting from what they offer.
Many people ask me what specifically I wish to do with my doctoral degree or where I see myself in ten years. I usually say I hope to continue doing useful and impactful work for as long as I can. The work I’ve done during and outside the academic journey, has afforded me the opportunity to be present in rooms and contribute to conversations relating to ocean management, which I never imagined I would be part of. I have a responsibility to try to do some good while I have this kind of access and influence.
The doctoral degree has also given me greater exposure and a wider platform to develop and champion some of the ideas, concepts and practices that me, my colleagues at the IMA, T&T, the Caribbean and indeed across the world, have been working on for many years. These may be more progressive, equitable and effective than the present-day status quo.
“The experience …was also life-altering”
In addition to completing the Ph.D, I have also had some other remarkable moments.  Participating in the UN-Nippon Foundation of Japan fellowship program in 2013 really introduced me to the law of the sea (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) which was the basis of much of my future work. It also introduced me to the United Nations system and a great network of global ocean professionals.
The experience as a lead negotiator for CARICOM on the BBNJ Agreement was also life-altering.   It was a steep learning curve, but I was fortunate to work with and be guided by an amazing group of professionals from our region. The evening that we finalised the text of the BBNJ Agreement,was a moment I won’t forget as it came after years of effort and, at that particular negotiating session, was the culmination of a 36-hour marathon session of non-stop negotiating after spending the previous two weeks trying to resolve outstanding issues.
“I want to do right by them and their efforts”
My inspiration to do what I do, comes from two sources. Older family, friends and colleagues, including first and foremost my parents but inclusive of many others, who have invested so much in raising,  shaping and guiding me. I want to do right by them and their efforts. There are some mentors who have been quite influential in my personal and professional growth. They know who they are, I would hesitate to list the names.
The other source of inspiration is the younger generation, like my niece and nephews, who I would like to see have a beautiful world to grow up in.
Although at times, progress can be glacially slow, I derive contentment knowing that I am working for a greater good and (hopefully) higher purpose. (I can’t be in it for the money because environmental work is not the best paying).
To the youngsters reading this, I want you to value individuality, but do not confuse it with individualism. I find that this is something people tend to do. Cherish your uniqueness, but always be cognizant of the fact that we need connection, we need to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper and we need to always be thinking about how our words and actions impact those around us.
To the teenager, who may be confused about their future career path, I want you to keep an open mind to all possibilities, especially in this interconnected and rapidly changing world.
It is important to take time to reflect on your motivations, passions and what brings contentment. I also think that if your initial choice does not feel right, don’t be afraid to pivot. (Source: MENtions - Stories about us, Nov. 26, 2023) 
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Kahlil continues to give thanks for what he has been given and strives to do justice by the people and forces that have blessed him.

​We are excited to welcome Dr. Nathan Nagir to Wright State University as the new Director of Choral Studies at WSU School of Music starting this fall. Nagir will be conducting the Collegiate Chorale, Men’s Chorale, and teaching choral methods and conducting.
Dr. Nagir comes from the twin isles Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. There, he is in demand as a conductor, accompanist, vocalist and educator. Having worked with several children’s, youth and adult ensembles, he has led many of them to success in competitions throughout the nation. He has worked with many primary and secondary schools, accompanied and directed the St. Augustine Girls’ High School choir and formed the student-staff/faculty choir at Hillview College. He served as the National Music Director and Conductor in 2012 for the National Convention of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago. As a solo artist, Nathan has won several prizes and competitions for best vocal and choral performance. His personal choir – Harmonies Aloud – was selected to perform for various state functions and several times at the Diplomatic Centre and Office of the Prime Minister.
In the Spring of ’22 Nagir graduated from the Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin where he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting under the instruction of Drs. James Morrow and Suzanne Pence.
While at the Butler School of Music, he served as:
• Conductor to University Chorus & Tenor-Bass Chorus
• Associate Conductor to Chamber Singers & Concert Chorale
• Music Director to The Bach Cantata Project & Longhorn Singers (Premiere Show Choir at UT)
He holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Texas State University and a Certificate of Music in Steelpan and Bachelor of Arts in Musical Arts from the University of the West Indies.
Welcome, Dr. Nathan Nagir!
Wright State University College of Liberal Arts Ginger Thomas Minneman Dan Zehringer Hank Dahlman James Wilson Tipps