Beam me up Scottie
A national award for Mr. Michael Scott, a community hero, a pan man.
By Aquil Arrindell
I had recently performed at the celebration of life for Mr Scott at La Brea Nightingales pan yard. It was visually evident from the massive crowd that came to share in the experience that he impacted peoples lives in a positive way. People from different status’ in society were present. People as high as the MP for the area, Nicole Olivierre to as low as members of the present central executive of Pan Trinbago.
Before the panyard, we passed the grounds where bright lights shone and players were warming up to play what appeared to be a fete match. Music pumping on the grounds and from all the nearby bars. Further into the street, the La Brea Nightingales panyard became visible. It is situated on a piece of land that I estimated to be about an acre. Tall trees create a natural canopy for the attendees and the lawn seemed to be freshly cut. The panyard had an open stage and a big shed. About a hundred chairs were under the shed facing the stage but that number of chairs was grossly inadequate.
The night was beautiful, under a clear diamond-filled sky with a cool tropical breeze and the sounds of worship which began the evening’s proceedings as members from his church paid their respects. Mr. Albert Danza, the president of NGC La Brea Nightingales was the Master of Ceremonies and he steered the program efficiently. As people shared their stories, the picture of the angel within the man became clearer. There were some reoccurring themes, such as his commitment to his job as a teacher, the wellbeing of his students, his steel bands and to music in general.
Something that resonates with me was the fact that he stood for the right thing. Stood up for people who could not stand up for themselves and was willing to die in defence of others. This belief ultimately lead to his death and according to those who knew him, they strongly believe that if he had to redo the event that took his life, he would go the same way if he had to. I identify with that act of selflessness because most bandleaders who stick with a band for their entire lives are selfless individuals. They would usually defend others with their lives especially those who are under their wings. I did not know him personally but, based on what my better half (his past student) said to me about him, it was in line with what was told of his character. She came home one night, after a family day in Point Fortin and asked if I knew Mr Scotty. I replied ‘no’ and she said ‘Well, he knows you and he likes the fight you’re fighting against Pan Trinbago’s executive and he can’t wait for you to get them out’. Well I laughed, and at the same time felt good to know that people recognized the work of the CIP’s members and myself. Two months after this she told me he had died.
Death is not something that gets a lot of emotion out of me. People that I am close to die and usually I am happy for them. However, how people go out sometimes leaves deep scars in my emotional subconscious. To me, good men should not die like this. When I put myself in those last moments of his life, my unspoken hurt turns into ungodly anger. Someone said at the gathering, Mr. Scottie would have said to us, ‘Let it go, forgive him’ so I guess we have no choice but to do just that.
On the street where a lot of people were gathered, I met one of my clients. I only know him by his sobriquet, Jackal. I produced a couple of songs (calypso) for him at my studio. He is usually a smiling character, but not that evening. He said he and Scottie were exceptionally close and every Sunday they would spend time together, mostly learning music from him and old talking (comical discussions). The girl was living in a downstairs apartment at Scottie’s residence. Scottie took her in because she needed help, according to Jackal. Jackal also believed Mr Scottie did not even take rent from her and at times, he shared his groceries. Mr Scott’s killer was someone that had been visiting his tenant for quite some time and he also received some degree of help from Mr Scott.
Mr Scott asked Jackal to redo his roof. He also asked him to hire the man that killed him to assist with the roof. Jackal said that during the building of the roof, he realized that the man was not a stable character. He warned Mr. Scott, who insisted that they must continue to help him. Jackal stood in the street that night and explained to me that it was his kindness that killed him.
Mr. Michael Scott would have heard the screams of the people downstairs as the man killed the lady, her daughter, and the daughter’s friend. Knowing that he too could die, he went to help them anyway. Mr. Michael Scott was a hero and deserves the highest national award for both his contribution to the nation and for his selfless act of bravery. I am calling on the MP for the area, Ms Nichole Olivierre, to make this happen. This is the least we can do for him.
As we pay our last respects tomorrow, Sunday 25th of March, I say, on behalf of all steel band fraternity to Mr. Scott, thank you for being a part of the steel band movement. Your name and legacy will live on in memory and in the pan yard of the NGC La Brea Nightingales and in the hearts and minds of all the lives you have inspired.
Wherever you are, save a space for me because, O when the saints go marching home, I would like to be in that number, O when the saints go marching home.
Beam me up Scottie.
Aquil Arrindell
Yours truly
Replies
you all are welcome. I am just doing my part, in what little way a can, to make the world a better place to live in.
Aquil, thanks for such a well written article.
Brenda H.
MY CONDOLENCES GOES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE "GOOD SAMARITAN AND PANMAN' MR MICHEAL SCOTT..MAY THE LORD STORE HIM AWAY WITHIN THE CONFINES OF HIS SAFEKEEPING..... R.I P.BRO.
odw ....... beautiful
Chalkdust - Hymns My Parents Sang
Superblue - Joy in My Soul
Thanks for sharing...
Trinidad All Stars - In a Monastery Garden
Despers - Amazing Grace
THANK YOU AQUIL,..MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO DIRECT YOUR STEPS....PEACE!
Laventille Serenaders - Blessed Assurance
THANK YOU AQUIL, YOU ARE A TRUE MESSENGER OF GOD!!