THE A.S.B. inauguration of the 1998/1999 academic year brought to mind the words of the last stanza of the poem "What is black?" by Mary O'Neil. She states:
"Black is beauty"
In its deepest form,
Think of what starlight
And lamplight would lack
Diamonds and fireflies
If they couldn't lean against Black
The diamonds
of the A.S.B. executive did not have to wonder how they would shine as an overwhelming majority of the student body wore black to show their support for the executive.
The silent unity of the colour spoke volumes as the student population waited in the auditorium for the start of the inaugural exercise.
The programme commenced with a procession of the flags representative of the various nationalities present here at C.U.C.
The uniformed black outfits of the flag bearers seemed to state many countries but one unity
.
The impressed student body responded with enthusiastic applause.
The level of excited anticipation rose several notches as the audience awaited the entrance of the A.S.B. executive into the auditorium.
They were not disappointed as the executive, along with their four faculty sponsors all dressed in basic black, entered the auditorium to the background music of Will Smith's very popular song The Men in Black
.
The student audience responded with loud excitement as they applauded and screamed for the men and women in black
who were to be their representatives for this academic year.
The executive and sponsors took the platform and the assistant men's Dean, Christopher Lockhart introduced each member individually.
They were each greeted with enthusiastic applause and shouts.
The President, Mr. Andre Simmons, was treated to a standing ovation from the hundreds of students present.
Dean Lockhart then introduced the four faculty sponsors: Pastor James Yansen, Mr Lennox Allicock, Mr. Wayne Riley and Chief sponsor Dr. Hurford Thomas.
These men, dressed all in black were each greeted with shouts, screams and enthusiastic applause.
This seemed to indicate that they are admired and appreciated by the student body.
Dean Lockhart then introduced the acting v.P.for Student Affairs, Dean Spencer.
Kalana Prince then brought the audience a stfrdng rendition of the Trinidad and Tobago National Anthem.
Oliver Thomas gave a heartfelt invocation, followed by Loris Scobie leading out in the C.U.C. school .song.
Carey Benjamin did a scripture reading, while Ms. S. Liverpool touched hearts and moved souls as she lifted her clear beautiful voice in song with the request "I want to know Christ".
Paul Stewart and Steve Wallace then took center stage to enlighten the audience about the various activities that the A.S.B. executives have planned for the upcoming school year.
The A.S.B. treasurer Leonie Caddle took the platform to read the year's budget. It was received somewhat tentatively by the audience; many of whom did not vote either for against it.
Next the A.S.B. President Mr. Andre Simmons was introduced by the v.P.Sharon Moaze, as a man of charm and charisma who possessed vision and purpose.
His inaugural address was short and to the point.
As he looked out at the sea of students clad in black, he was moved to thank them thrice for their support.
He pleaded with the student population to continue in unity and to continue to support the executive as they seek to carefully and prayerfully effect change on the campus.
Mr. Simmons pointed out to the students that solidarity, unity, and the ability to stand and not conform under pressure is very necessary if the A.S.B.is to create any positive impact on the campus.
Two of the issues which he and his executive are going to address are the computer lab fees and summer graduation.
But this could only be done with the support of the student body.
The words ofMary O'Neil again came to mind:
Think of what starlight
And lamplight would lack
Diamonds and fireflies
If they couldn't lean against BLACK.
Basic black, Solid black, Unified black. This was the message of the inaugural programme.
The student population seemed to say, lean against us A.S.B. executive - we are unified black
.
After the President's speech, the executive was sworn in by Dean Spencer.
He charged them as a body faced with the serious task ofleadership, to their jobs with integrity.
Following this, the Ladies's Club made a trendy banquet announcement which enthused the audIence.
Next came the benediction by Shondell Wright. The student body then left the auditorium to spread their silent message across the campus; Beautiful black, basic black, solid black, unified black!