Mayaro Past Pupils Association

05/09/2026

CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association, Oliver Alexander, recently highlighted several areas which he believes the Association could undertake as community projects.

One such project was the repair of the front wall at the Mayaro Early Childhood Centre. The Association was able to secure the assistance of one of its partners to undertake this project, and the repairs have now been completed.

The Association recognises that some proposed community projects may require the approval of the relevant authorities before work can proceed.

Unfortunately, some citizens, whom we may describe as “keyboard specialists” or critics, have chosen not to focus on the projects and concerns that were highlighted. Instead, much of the discussion has centred on issues that contribute very little to the development of the Mayaro community.

Some persons may consider themselves supporters of a particular political party, but support for any political organisation should not prevent citizens from contributing positively to their community. Mayaro has experienced many years of neglect and marginalisation, and progress should be something that all residents can support, regardless of political affiliation.

Across Trinidad and Tobago, we are also seeing public office holders and citizens using social media to promote political views and political parties. Others use names or identities online that are different from their actual names. While everyone has a right to express an opinion, constructive discussion should focus on the issues affecting our communities and possible solutions.

Some citizens have asked why certain projects were not completed during the previous ten years. However, we should also remember the challenges faced by the Member of Parliament for Mayaro during that period, as well as the continuing challenges facing the constituency.

The Mayaro Past Pupils Association will not be distracted by persons who use social media to criticise efforts aimed at improving the Mayaro community.

It is also disappointing that very few persons have taken the time to publicly thank the company that stepped forward to repair the wall at the Mayaro Early Childhood Centre. The wall had reportedly been neglected since 2014, and the completed repairs have made a significant improvement to the facility.

The Association continues to believe that the Mayaro community should not have to settle for less.

As we prepare for the start of the new school term, the Association is also concerned about the condition of the Ortoire R.C. Primary School, which has been left in an unacceptable state for several years.

Several primary schools throughout the Mayaro community are facing serious maintenance challenges. With increasingly hot weather conditions, our children may also experience greater discomfort in classrooms and school environments that are not adequately maintained or ventilated.

The condition of the Guayaguayare and Manzanilla Roads is another matter requiring urgent attention. These roads are now affected by numerous large potholes, creating serious difficulties for motorists and taxi operators. These are issues that citizens should also be highlighting, because road conditions can contribute to accidents, and accidents do not give anyone time to prepare.

The Association has already informed the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) about concerns regarding school transportation for students attending St. Stephen’s College. The current transportation arrangements are not considered sufficiently suitable or child-friendly for students travelling to and from school.

The Association is also aware that some parents in the Mayaro community were hoping to receive assistance through the Government’s school grant programme but were unsuccessful.

For this reason, the Mayaro Past Pupils Association will continue its Back to School Drive 2026 until the end of September 2026 and welcomes support from individuals, businesses and organisations willing to assist families and students in need.

The Association also intends to continue highlighting several proposed projects and issues affecting the Mayaro community.

A few weeks ago, the Minister of Works visited the Mayaro community. During that visit, the Member of Parliament and Local Government representatives were absent. The Minister subsequently indicated in the media that she was not interested in engaging in press-release politics. Regardless of political differences, what remains important is that the needs of Mayaro are addressed and that all elected and appointed representatives work together in the interest of the community.

The Mayaro Past Pupils Association remains committed to community development and will continue to identify issues, encourage partnerships and advocate for improvements that benefit the people of Mayaro.

MAYARO SHOULD NOT BE MARGINALISED

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01/09/2026

Message from Oliver Alexander, CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association (MPPA)The Mayaro Past Pupils Association is calling on parents to support Daughter of the Soil – Tishanna’s Variety Store, located at Pierre Ville, Mayaro (On the One Way).Tishanna’s On the One Way offers affordable prices on both primary and secondary school uniforms. With the new school term beginning in just a few days, the MPPA will deliver a few boxes of cereal for distribution to customers who purchase school uniforms at the store.The Association will continue to seek support for its Back-to-School Drive 2026, which runs until the end of September 2026. Many parents who applied for the Government School Grant will receive confirmation of their applications on Wednesday of this week.The MPPA extends sincere thanks to all Members of Parliament and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have supported students with school supplies.We remain committed to showing love, not war, in the Mayaro community. Our children are the future, and we ask God to guide and protect them always.

31/08/2026

CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association Oliver Alexander want to wish all citizens Happy Independence. Our country gain Independence in August 1962 (64Years) . For some of us such achievement is celebrated with pride and in recent times our Holidays would face Trinidad Style Bacchanal and recently was Emancipation Day. Most of us focus our Holidays such as Independence and Emancipation Day just for one day. Independence Day Celebrations should include the History of the Country First Prime Minister Dr. Eric Eustace Williams Leader of Peoples National Movement. Dr. Eric Williams was also called the Father of the Nation and is remembered for many Speaches. Our Nation Children would start school in a few day's time and Dr. Williams had mentioned that our Future is in our Children School Bag. Dr. Eric Williams also mentioned that money is not the problem which we said that Money is No Problem. He made such statement in the 1970's when our country had discovered Oil Offshore on the East Coast where the Mayaro Village is situated. The Mayaro Village is one that is written in the History Book of Trinidad and Tobago because Dr. Eric Williams and his Cabinet members held their first Cabinet Meeting at the Beachfront in Mayaro. Mayaro son of the Soil the late Victor Lionel Campbell was a Member of Dr. Eric Williams Cabinet. Victor Lionel Campbell was well know to me and he had open the doors for many residents and not forgetting the upliftnment of the Mayaro Community. Many of us as citizens would remember Victor Lionel Campbell had held a few Portfolio under the Leadership of Dr. Eric Williams. A few years ago I asked a member of the Campbell family to look into having Victor Lionel Campbell house a Historic Landmark which could be called the White House of Mayaro. Many years ago the residents of Mayaro was given the Opportunity to be part of the Independence Celebration and looking back at History of the Mayaro Community something went wrong . A few days ago the Leader of the Opposition Peoples National Movement ( PNM) was part of a walk and meeting at Guayaguayare which is part of Mayaro. As a residents of Mayaro it is of interest to me to get information on the outcome of her visit

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25/08/2026

Message from Oliver Alexander, CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association (MPPA)

The Mayaro Past Pupils Association extends heartfelt thanks to the Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association (SLWA) for their generous support of our Back-to-School Drive 2026.

The MPPA has been a proud partner of the SLWA for over a decade. A few years ago, members of the SLWA visited Mayaro and distributed school supplies to students. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SLWA was the first to support our School Feeding Relief Programme. Through their assistance, the Association was able to deliver more than 200 box lunches weekly to students in their homes. The program ran successfully for 22 weeks and brought much-needed relief to families during that difficult time.

This year, we are receiving even more requests from parents for support, and our Back-to-School Drive will continue until the end of September 2026. The Association will keep seeking sponsorship and assistance, and we welcome anyone interested in supporting this initiative to contact us.

Many parents in the Mayaro community have applied for government school grants and are still awaiting feedback. We urge parents to pay close attention to their children’s booklists, as several items are essential for the school calendar year. With the current economic situation, families must spend wisely.

We also call on the Ministry of Education to review and standardize booklists for schools in the Mayaro community. A rotation system for textbooks could ease the financial burden on parents while ensuring students have access to the resources they need.

These are difficult times, but our children’s education must remain a priority. Together, we can ensure that every child in Mayaro has the tools they need to succeed.

14/08/2026

CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association Oliver Alexander said growing up in the Mayaro Village is one of a Lifetime for many residents. He said it was normal for residents to say we are going to QUARTERS meaning the Mayaro Junction. This seems not be the case anymore as the Community has been Neglected by the Authorities for many years. Most communities have seen investment by the State and Private Sector but not Mayaro. The Mayaro Past Pupils Association will take the Initiative and seek support to Ensure the Mayaro Community be seen as GREATER MAYARO. Let me take some time and look at Plasiance Road to Piereville. Since 2014 I look carefully at the Mayaro Early Childhood Center ( ECC) a place where MP'S and Representatives of Energy Companies will visit to Speak at the Opening of Night Windball Cricket for many years. The Security Guards ( Females) have no Security themselves and not forgetting the Staff and students at the Institution. The Desk at the Security Booth should be replaced immediately and hope support is given to this school. The Mayaro Past Pupils Association was able to get approval from the Ministry Of Education Office to support the Mayaro Early Childhood Center. One of the Association partner ALTECH SERVICES LIMITED ( Non Resident) was able to come forward to support with repairs at the Institution. The Association is calling on the Residents and Authorities to look at the Mayaro Junction carefully. A Letter was prepared recently to the Minister of Sports seeking approval to cut the Overgrown Bushes on the compound of the Mayaro Sporting Facality. This the Association believe would be a Good opportunity for residents to shoe their Love for the Mayaro Community. The Seating Accommodation that was placed for the Night Windball Cricket by Energy Company Bptt and the All Mayaro Sports Foundation is now Class as Scrap Iron and should be removed for Disposal. The Association once seek the support of a Local Government Representative to get the approval to place Outdoor Concrete Benches around the Recreation Ground similar to the Queens Park Savannah . The Historic Mayaro Government is School Ground Fencing is now showing the end of its life and soon the Ministry of Education will be call upon to support the development of the Playing Field . Our Historic Mayaro Village Hall that was donated to the Community by the Women’s Federation many years including the Mayaro Home for the Age. ( Take Note they were called French Creole). The Village Hall was loaned to our Former Member of Parliament Son of the Soil by for the use of a Library. The Association have written to NALIS a Government Agency seeking the return of the Village Hall and is awaiting a response. I firmly believe the State should compensate the Mayaro Community and say not the Wooden Floor need repairs. How many of us traveling from Sangre Grande ( North) pay attention to the Wall at the Mayaro Government Primary School. We see Advertising Boards including Energy Company Bptt taking care of their Business showing to turn to the Mayaro Resource Center. The Mayaro Government Primary School Wall is in no way Friendly and we need look return Glory to our School Wall. The Historic Wall at the Mayaro Police Station is telling us i am over the Age of Sixty Five and given my services to the Mayaro Community so watch me Falling Apart. The Greatest Hospital of All Time was situated at the Mayaro Junction but was recently demolished by the Eastern Regional Health Authority ( ERHA). I believe that the History of this Great Mayaro Hospital which was situated at the Mayaro Junction should be shared. The ERHA has now installed a piece of curtain at the front gate while the site stay idle. The Mayaro Junction with a Pothole is now part of our Community Speed Bump. The Wall at the Western Side of the Court House is there waiting for the Mayaro Community to utilize it by painting or placing photographs of our Local Heroes. I keep asking who authorized the White House at the Mayaro Junction showing no regard to the No Vending Sign. The Matthew Pierre and Bridget Adams Basketball and Netball Court should not be treated in such Manner because they are both Alive. I firmly believe that soon most residents will Wake Up and ask if this is the Community where Milk and Honey Once Flow. Once Again on Behalf of the Mayaro Community thanks to the Leadership of ALTECH SERVICES LIMITED for its support. Stay Tuned for More On GREATER MAYARO. Let me End with a Famous Calypso by
Mighty Sparrow.
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11/08/2026

Message from the CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association, Oliver Alexander

The Mayaro Past Pupils Association (MPPA) extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported our 24th Annual SEA Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, 11th July 2026 under the theme “First Things First.” Last year’s theme, “The Transformation of Mayaro,” remains one that residents should reflect on carefully. Transformation will not happen overnight, but the Association believes that with collective effort, residents can achieve a better way of life.

Unfortunately, the Mayaro community continues to face high unemployment rates and limited resources to improve socioeconomic conditions. Each year, the Association reviews student performance at all levels, and it is clear that more must be done to ensure our students achieve at the national standard. Presently, all primary schools in Mayaro are regarded as Schools of Priority, which should be a serious concern for residents. While we celebrate students transitioning from primary to secondary school, too many of those leaving secondary school are unable to progress further, adding to the unemployment rate. Even our tertiary graduates face challenges, as they are often told they lack workplace experience. Many are left with no choice but to accept jobs in local supermarkets.

The Association believes that residents can improve their daily lives if we explore ways to create employment opportunities within Mayaro. Another pressing issue is the poor infrastructure of schools, which urgently requires attention from the Ministry of Education.

We also believe that tourism can play a vital role in Mayaro’s development and will soon seek registration with the Tourism Industry of Trinidad and Tobago. Our local business community has been struggling for years, and the Association will continue to advocate for the establishment of a Mayaro Business Chamber to give our community a stronger voice at the national level. At present, Mayaro’s business model is limited to just two supermarkets, while small businesses—on which residents heavily depend—remain under-recognized. It is concerning that on Sundays, residents cannot even purchase basic items such as cement or electrical supplies within the community.

This year, we invited several distinguished guest speakers to help chart a path forward for Mayaro, and we thank them sincerely for attending. The program began with a prayer from Mya Williams, Top SEA Student 2025. Among those absent were the Member of Parliament for Mayaro, Ministry of Education SS1 Gerard Zoe, Mayaro Family Medicine, Ms. Kaveeta Paray (Past Awardee), and Former English Footballer Terry Fenwick, who sent a written message instead.

Present were:
• Vonroy Rochester, Counsellor of the Jamaican High Commission
• Lisa Shandilya, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago
• Ms. Angie Jairam, Chief Strategy Officer of the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers
• Conrad Enill, Strategic Advisor and Former Minister of Energy and Finance
• Rushton Paray, Former Member of Parliament for Mayaro
• Tricia Lynch, Managing Director of Hydrotech
• The Honourable Justice Lisa Ramsumsir-Hinds of the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago (Feature Speaker)

The awardees included the Top 20 students from the Mayaro Cluster and the Top 10 Mayaro students attending schools in the Rio Claro Cluster.

Recently, the Association met with Her Excellency Natalie Campbell-Rodrigues, High Commissioner of Jamaica, to strengthen partnerships in sports, agriculture, tourism, and more. We are proud to note that Deborah Thomas-Felix, a daughter of Mayaro’s soil, serves as Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to Jamaica.

Looking ahead, the Association plans to invite 100 youths from Mayaro to participate in a Development Plan in Sports, Education, and Culture. This initiative will help young people facing challenges to develop skills, especially as the MILAT program remains on hold.

We also recognize the struggles of parents seeking government assistance for book grants. The Association will continue to support families through our Back-to-School Drive 2026 and focus on students who must re-sit the SEA Examination.

A special mention goes to Cayden Maraj of Mafeking Village, Mayaro, who attended with his parents. His mother tutored him at home, and he was successfully assigned to Rio Claro West Secondary School. This is an example the community should take note of, and we commend Cayden’s parents for their dedication.

The Association also encourages every household in Mayaro to establish a home garden. At the event, Kim Perez Peruze distributed plants to students, while Mr. Raul Bermudez, well-known across Trinidad and Tobago, provided coconut and breadfruit plants. A few years ago, Former Miss Universe Janelle Penny Commissiong urged students to plant coconut trees during her feature address at the SEA Awards.

Finally, the CEO reminded attendees that he is familiar with the Probation Services Community Service Orders in Trinidad and Tobago, and similar initiatives could be implemented in Mayaro.

As we move forward as a community, let us remember:
“Action without vision is a nightmare.”

04/08/2026

CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association, Oliver Alexander, said people often say “Half a bread is better than none,” but he always asks, “Why not get the other half?” He firmly believes that people are treated by others based on how they see you.

The Mayaro Village continues to face challenges, and he is calling on the Member of Parliament to engage residents in a Town Hall Meeting. Such a meeting could allow information to be shared on the challenges faced and help develop an action plan for progress.

Some of us rely on social media, but it is difficult to solve problems on Facebook. We must prioritize if we truly want to see success. Let me highlight two recent scenarios that were shared online:

1. Fire Tender for Mayaro
On April 8th, 2026, the Government announced that Mayaro would receive a new fire tender, and members of the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation were photographed at the event. Last week, July 2026, our new fire tender finally arrived in Mayaro.

Thank you to Prime Minister Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Homeland Security Hon. Roger Alexander. Some residents believed the Mayaro Fire Station had already received a fire tender in April and commented heavily online. A few days ago, I visited the Mayaro Fire Station myself and captured a photo of the vehicle, registration number TEL 1799.

We thank the authorities for placing one of the six fire tenders at the Mayaro Fire Station. We now look forward to improved control of bush fires, provided there is also an improvement in the water supply for the Mayaro community.

2. Sargassum Seaweed Management
A few weeks ago, the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, the Honourable Khadijah Ameen, visited Mayaro with the Ambassador of Japan to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, for the handover of two mini tractors to assist with sargassum management.

It was noted that these tractors were for both the Sangre Grande and Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporations. I wish to thank the Ambassador of Japan for his country’s contribution to the Mayaro community. The handover was held at the Mayaro Civic Center on June 16th, 2026, with the Member of Parliament, several ministers, and the Ambassador in attendance. Photos even captured him enjoying seafood with residents.

Once again, I call on the authorities to conduct a feasibility study on sargassum seaweed, which threatens to destroy the East Coast. Our fishermen are unable to go out to sea, local visitors cannot enjoy the beach, and residents like myself cannot even run along the shoreline. The sargassum attracts flies and smells strongly of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).

The Regional Corporation seems to lack proper knowledge of sargassum management. At Indian Bay Beach, I observed a tractor operator piling the seaweed higher on the shoreline, which will simply wash back into the sea when the tide rises.

Residents of Mayaro are already struggling with recreation facilities and poor road conditions, and soon the beachfront will also be lost if urgent action is not taken. Countries such as Mexico and the Cayman Islands are already investing heavily to protect their beaches, and our leaders must do the same.

During a recent visit to a family in Guayaguayare, I was shocked by the number of potholes along the journey. This has been reported to the Minister of Works for urgent attention.

The residents of Mayaro must pay closer attention to the issues affecting our community. I also note with concern the absence of the Local Government Representative for Mayaro North, who has not been featured in photos alongside other members of the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation.

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27/07/2026

Statement from the Mayaro Past Pupils Association

CEO of the Mayaro Past Pupils Association, Mr. Oliver Alexander, is once again highlighting—not protesting—the present situation at the Mayaro Recreation Ground. He is calling on the Chairman of the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation to update the residents of Mayaro on the promised upgrade of the ground.

Shell Trinidad donated $1M to assist with development works at this historic facility, yet the Regional Corporation never consulted the wider community. Instead of development, residents are now witnessing destruction. The Member of Parliament once visited the ground with the Minister of Sports, and the community was excited about the prospects. However, it appears that the Regional Corporation has assumed full control of the project.

I have often said that the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation operates like a non-governmental organization (NGO). The question remains: does the Chairman have the authority to lead projects without consulting council members, especially given the failed projects previously carried out from his office? The Chairman conducted a site visit with members of the recently established National Programme for the Upkeep of Public Spaces (NPUPS), and work immediately began at the Recreation Ground. To date, it seems the contractor benefited, while Shell Trinidad will certainly receive tax benefits from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mayaro was once known for sports, and my voice will continue to be heard regarding both the Mayaro Recreation Ground and the Mayaro Government Primary School Ground. Sadly, sporting organizations such as the BPTT All Mayaro Sports Foundation (AMSF), Mayaro Boys Sports Club, and other community interest groups like village councils remain muted. The time has come for residents to stop speaking out against their neighbors and instead channel that energy toward addressing the neglect of the Mayaro community.

Every sitting member of the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation, especially our local government representatives, should show genuine interest in the Recreation Ground. Sporting facilities in Mayaro lack proper maintenance, and it must be emphasized that sports can reduce crime, improve chronic health issues, and strengthen communities.

On Tuesday, 19th May 2026, the Prime Minister reported in the Express Newspaper (page 8) that her government is committed to supporting youth in sports. Such a statement should be taken seriously by both the Member of Parliament and the Chairman of the Regional Corporation. The Corporation had notified the community that the Recreation Ground would be closed until July 17th, 2026, yet that date has passed without resolution. History shows that the Mayaro Recreation Ground has always faced challenges, but this should be a thing of the past if we speak out.

I have noted comments from one Asif Siffy, who often claims that the Mayaro Past Pupils Association is political. Let me be clear: every leader in society should follow the political situation in their country and voice concerns when necessary. Mr. Siffy is free to support his political party, but if he has genuine interest in Mayaro, he should state how he can contribute to its development.

My records show that the Minister of Sports, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation are products of the Opposition Party in Trinidad and Tobago. History—both of our country and our community—is important. Residents of Mayaro must come together to create a maintenance plan for public spaces such as the Recreation Ground. At present, the state is unable to do so because NPUPS employees responsible for maintaining public spaces are facing salary challenges.

The history of our country and community should guide us on the road to success.

11/07/2026

11/07/2026