PORT OF SPAIN BRANCH

The Port Of Spain Branch has a rich background. The Branch split many times to form the San Fernando, Sangre Grande, and Arima Branches. In the past many members were trained in their call as leaders and then moved to various other places with the wisdom inherited.

The present leadership is firm and determined to build Zion right here, imparting their service to their Brothers and Sisters. Mormons believe that God, the Father, created all people and therefore we are all His children, we then are all one 'big family'. Members of the Church refer to each other as Brother and Sister.

Many Branch Presidents have served in Port of Spain, such as; Errol Oswald Balfour, Elder Murray Richardson, Bruce Knudsen, Reuben Renwick Raphael, Elder Ashe, Elder Lobley and Michael Regis. Our present Branch President*, Pres. Reuben R. Raphael, has served for six years in that capacity and has had many experiences in the Church.

The early members have seen many places used for Sunday meetings. I will try to list them all from first to last; the Dopsons' home, the Johnsons' home, the Paynes' home, the Bordes' home, St.Anns Ave.,St.Anns, Fondsmands Ave.,St.Anns, City Hall, Port of Spain, Knudsen's home, Jaycees Headquarters, 107 and 109 Long Circular Rd., East of the Queen's Park Savannah, 97 Tragarete Rd., and 47 Tragarete Rd., Woodbrook. I believe some meetings had to be held at other places, but I do not recall exactly where. The Port of Spain Branch members can now look forward to their own chapel on Cipriani Blvd. The Ground breaking took place on the 4th March, 1995. The Branch's leaders are truly dedicated to filling their role well in preparation for the bounds of this future Stake house. Members give of their time and talent to the work of the Lord without salary and without materialistic gain. All members, missionaries, and even the prophet, are not paid for services rendered, but all view the blessings from above as payment enough. This makes service given, straight from the heart without hypocrisy. The Branch consists of a wide range of backgrounds and personalities.

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Many members have been to the temple and seen the fulness of the Church abroad, thus giving needed experience to the 'workings' of each auxiliary and individual. Some leaders are;

Exec.Secretary / Y.M 's Advisor......Anthony O'Cinnie
Clerk / Mission Ieader......Ashton S. Garcia
Elders President.....Michael Regis
Relief Society President.....Leslie-Ann Seecharan
Y.W.'s President.....Analisia Ishmael
Primary President.....Felicia J. Borde
Sunday School President.....Arthur N. Ince
Activities Chairperson..... Alisha Pachco
Chairperson.....Shivon De Freitas
Church Educational System....Kelvin Diaz

Many of the priesthood brethren participate in service projects to help those in need. Michael Regis, President of the Elders Quorum since February 1994, shows how gratifying helping others can be,

"Its an opportunity to be given the call to serve others, whether a member or nonmember. We grow in leadership qualities and spirituality while giving of ourselves."

Pres.Regis was baptized on October 30th, 1989 at 7:30am at Blue Basin, Diego Martin. He was called as 1st Counselor in the Branch Presidency under Pres.Keith Lobley on 10th December, 1989. He was then called as Branch President from November, 1990 to September, 1991. Michael has also had many years in the police force and at present works with the British High Commission on St.Clair Ave., St.Clair. His wife, Marciana, also gives dedicated service in the branch as 1st Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency.

ERROL OSWALD BALFOUR and his family became involved with the Branch in 1980. He was called as the first Branch President in Trinidad and Tobago and served under the direction of Pres. Dale E. Miller. He now resides with his family in the United States and has served as a Branch President there. Br.Balfour's picture can be viewed in some of the Church's teaching manuals. A picture of his family was published in the Church News' front page..

JUDY PARKES, formerly Judy Jattan, was one of the sweet spirited members during the pioneering days. Her example and humility is one to be admired. She had an inner light that shone outward and beamed those Christ-like attributes she carried with her. She's served in many leadership positions especially that of a teacher. She is now happily married and lives in England. While I was on my mission I had the opportunity to meet Judy in the London temple. She was still full of the above characteristics.

CARL ISAAC GOBIN and the CARTER family also played great roles in the early days of the Church. 'The Branch at that time required newly baptized members to serve in leadership positions. Carl Gobin was called pronto into service for the Lord. Carl works as a teacher in Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive School. Carl was introduced to the Church on the 17th July, 1981 while returning to Trinidad on a flight from San Diego, California, U.S.A. While in California Carl visited his sister, Jean, a member of the Church. Carl was given a booklet about Joseph Smith an the plane by a recently baptized member of the Church from Phoenix, Arizona.

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During Carl's long journey on the plane he read and believed the contents of the booklet. He later learnt that he the first person that the recent convert had successfully introduced to the restored Church. Carl was also given what is now an old edition of the Book Of Mormon and a copy of the Pearl Of Great Price, both of which he still has safely kept in his possession. Some time after his arrival to Trinidad, Carl contacted the Branch President of the Trinidad Branch, Bruce Knudsen in October, 1981. Pres.Knudsen taught Carl the discussions and baptized him on the 23rd January, 1982. Carl has served as branch clerk, Sunday School teacher, choir leader and first counselor in the Branch Presidency. Br.Gobin was also instrumental in helping the missionaries find referrals in various parts of Trinidad as well as fellowshipping with those under his charge.

The Carters came from Venezuela and stayed here briefly, but imparted some of their knowledge from their homeland. The author has been to Venezuela many times and saw many wards and stakes there. They often talk about a temple in Venezuela one day.

ANGELA ABLACK has been a long dedicated member. In my youth I remember her coming to Church faithfully with her two sons, Nigel and Jeremy. Angela works as a nurse and still tries to attend her Sunday meetings. She is presently gathering information for her genealogy files.

Sr.Amy Hinds counts it a blessing to work with those who cannot read nor write properly in the Church Literacy Program,

"I consider it an honor from the Lord to teach those less fortunate than myself. Each student has grown both academically and spiritually, for this I'm truly satisfied in my service to the Lord."

The Relief Society, is the oldest woman's organization in the whole world. The Sisters of the Church get together and focus their strength on giving of themselves for the benefit of others. Sr.Leslie-Ann Seecharan, the Relief Society President shares how the Sisters are united in their cause,

"When we have our home making meetings, it brings a feeling of love as we share ideas and talents. A bond is formed with one another as each Sister bears testimony and I can sense their warmth and dedication to the Gospel."

Leslie-Ann has served in many leadership callings before and has done well in each. She works as a beauty specialist.. Her next major goal is to go to the Temple.

The Branch is continually growing with an average attendance of 117 each Sunday. Soon there may be another Branch formed out of the membership. Br. Ashton S. Garcia, the Branch Clerk and Branch Mission Leader has a direct responsibility to the progression of recent converts to the Church. Ashton comments,

"Three scriptures come to mind, Moses 1:39, Jude 1:24 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 when I'm helping newly baptized members. A big goal of mine is to help them stay converted to Jesus and His Gospel. As a leader I try to set my best example for them to see their 'new spiritual life style'. Its a blessing to witness someone choosing the path of righteousness and being baptized."

Although young in age, Ashton is certainly wise and has been given positions of accountability and confidentiality in the Church because of his unwavering diligence in making 'things go correctly and effectively'. Ashton is now preparing himself to go on a mission.

"A mission is not a right, but a privilege. Imagine being called by the Lord to go to an unknown land to baptize thousands. I feel a mission should be every young man's goal",

said Ashton. The Garcia family have made many of the Branch's activities memorable in the past and Ashton intends to keep on the tradition with missionary / member firesides ever so often.

SHIELA ISHMAEL has had much opportunity in attending Church meetings in England and Trinidad. The Ishmaels came to Trinidad during the period of the Church's infancy here. They started attending service by 1980. Sr.Ishmael had a lot of time to carefully nurture her testimony,

"I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Many questions have burdened me in the past, but now I have answers for then, such as; WHERE DID I COME FROM, WHERE AM I GOING, and WHY AM I HERE ? 'The Church and the Holy Spirit have taught me that I've come from the presence of my Heavenly Father, created in His image and likeness, sent here to learn and grow, gain knowledge and perfect myself. It depends on me as to where I am going. If I keep the commandments I shall rise to Eternal life, to live with my Heavenly Father once again. I know that Christ lives and has a living prophet on earth that gives us directions from Him."

Her son, Gary Ishmael, served in the West Indies mission and now studies Communications in Utah. Gavin, my artist for some of the drawings in this book, also served in the West Indies Mission. Gavin, his wife, Analisia, and Sr. Ishmael reside in Barataria with newest family named Zack. Gavin fulfills Pres.Raphael's desire to see every young man serve a mission and then return to be happily married in the Church.

Kelvin Vincent Diaz, one of the Branch's vigorous senior members, became the only high priest in the country after the death of Basil D. Borde, who was also ordained to that same office. Br. Diaz was born in Maraval Village and was raised to be a good person in the community. His maturing years caused him to pursue a career in education as a school teacher. He then moved on to be a management development consultant and organizational manager for British West Indian Airlines. Kelvin was baptized on the 27th February, 1988. After receiving the priesthood, he served as 2nd Counselor in the West Indies Mission under Pres. A. Dean Jeffs, and 1st Counselor in the Trinidad and Tobago Mission, directed by Pres. J.Richard Toolson. At the Branch level, Br.Diaz was called to the positions of Branch Mission Leader and teacher. He presently teaches the Elders' quorum. The highlight of his service in the Church is the Church Educational System in which Kelvin is the coordinator for the mission. In relating to me about his work in organizing seminary and institute classes, he expressed,

"It's very satisfying and special to me to see young adults growing in the way of the Lord by taking an active part in 'feasting' on the scriptures. I'm always elated by those of that tender age, who try to live Christ-like lives and principles."

Br. Diaz is often traveling to different countries and parts of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the proper function of C.E.S. is being implemented in each . Br. Diaz's practical knowledge and technical expertise enables him to contribute to the Church's development in the islands and countries at a public level. His love of scouting and past memories of working with the youth has caused him to still be full of stamina for his rigorous schedule. Anyone conversing with Kelvin for any period of time will soon discover his friendly disposition and sympathetic ear, indeed, I've found him able to speak intelligently on many subjects and ideas and 'fit-in' into various social discussions. This became evident to me when I went home teaching with him, listening to his teachings and other situations. Kelvin is a great example of an individual's ability to develop himself academically and spiritually.

"When shall we cease to learn '? Never, never." - Brigham Young, (JD, 3:203)

Albert Alleyne was baptized on 20th October, 1991. He has been to the Salt Lake, Logan, Provo, London, and Florida temples. He presently serves as 1st Counselor in the Branch Presidency and coordinator for welfare and clothes distribution. In relating his feelings about his Church service Br.Alleyne said,

"I desire to only do good now since my baptism It's a blessing to work for the Lord, I always feel happy as I help my fellowman in many special ways."

Br. Alleyne is usually of a cheerful countenance and loves activity among the members.

Derek Joseph-Baptiste was baptized the same day that Br.Albert Alleyne was baptized. He has been a hospital attendant for 15 years, played on the national basketball team as center forward, vas a member of the Crusaders basketball team ( a Christian group) and loves to give community service. Br. Baptiste is also a certified special Olympics' coach. In relating to me his conversion, Derek said,

"I heard negative comments about the Church from my friends and others so when I went to the Jean Pierre Complex to meet Danny Ainge it was strictly basketball. I met the players at lunch and found them very friendly. I attended the testimonial later the same day and found that the NBA players' testimony broke up many of the rumors about the Mormons in my mind. I began to realize that these Mormons were really loving people and the Gospel started to change my way of thinking and character to that which was more Christ-like. I'm glad I met those NBA players, it was through them that I gave the Church a serious hearing."

Br.Baptiste has played in many of the Church's local basketball competitions and has shown his extraordinary skills in that game. In recommending those who have really helped him along the way, Derek said,

"Pres.Raphael, Br.Alleyne, Sr.Borde, the Flemings, and the Toolsons have all been special people in my life."

Derek sees the Book Of Mormon as a true jewel to his wisdom and knowledge about Christ.

"The Church has made me a better person and has taught me the plan of my Heavenly Father so that I can return to live with Him. Every time I read the Book Of Mormon I receive a wonderful feeling from His Spirit that confirms the truthfulness of that plan."

* Remember this book was written in 1995.

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