An elderly woman stunned guests at the Annual Mothers’ Day and Arrival Day celebrations of the Zoomers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago ( ZATTIC) in Mississauga on Sunday.
Dr Kris Rampersad, a Trinidad-based journalist and author was speaking about her efforts at ” developing literary and heritage sectors and creating global connections with Caribbean groups” when the elderly woman stood up and interrupted her.
“Excuse me. I taught at St Julien Presbyterian School. I taught you at St Julien,” the elderly woman said. She then walked up and embraced Dr Rampersad who exclaimed in surprise: “Miss Olive. It is so good to see you!”
“I cannot stay long. I left my family, my children and grandchildren to come here today to see you. I am so proud of you, my darling,” the woman said to Dr Rampersad.
“This is the woman who taught me to read,” Dr Rampersad told the audience which burst out in loud applause.
Olive Sinanan, now 80 years old. lives in Toronto.
In her address, Dr Rampersad explained how the early thirst for reading material which was scarce when she was growing up in rural Trinidad has motivated much of her actions even as a journalist, and later as a writer and as an educator.
Dr Rampersad will be at Windies Restaurant in Scarborough on Sunday to discuss ” cross cultural connections and opportunities for the creative sectors.
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