8
T
he above quotation is often said by an enigmatic,
resilient and characteristic gentleman, who epitomizes
the concept of a “JOHNNIE WALKER” (from the Scotch
whisky TV ad.), with an ever-flowing outlet of energy, ideas,
advice, anecdotes and wit.
URBAN AGUSTUS SYLVAN was born in the year 1927 in the
district of Point Fortin but has lived in Port of Spain, Siparia
and Erin and Point Fortin.
His early education took him from Point Fortin to St. Mary’s
college, POS, and from there to teach at primary schools in
rural south Trinidad. His achievements at this level included
a personal acknowledgement letter from the first Prime
Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric Williams on an idea
/suggestion for the standardization of school uniforms for
students at different levels for all schools.
As an avid sportsman he represented many communities
and organizations at different levels in hockey, football, table
tennis, cricket and other sports. He also trained aspiring young
persons in athletics, and at one time introduced a netball
league for schools in the St. Patrick district.
In his younger days of athleticism, he rode motor cycles.
Picture the road conditions of the ’50s, as he recalls cycling to
the north, through Valencia, Manzanilla, Mayaro and back to
Point Fortin, all in one day.
After teaching at Primary schools in St. Patrick for many years,
he joined the Government service and trained as a finance
officer and as a valuator of lands and property in the country
districts.
Urban Sylvan has written many a dissertation and thesis
on the environment and community development and has
witnessed and contributed to the growth and transformation
of the people and the infrastructure in places such as Point
Fortin and surrounding villages. Together with other activists
at that time, he co-founded in Point Fortin a social club in the
‘50s named PARVENU, which contributed to the upliftment of
citizens at that time.
His many social and academic accomplishments include the
Cooperative Credit Union movement tenures on boards and
other statutory committees; as a member of the Regional
Social Human Development Council (RSHDC) in the Penal /
Debe and surrounding areas, he has assisted many groups
in attaining and identifying community social projects which
benefitted their lives.
Urban is a devout Roman Catholic and religiously attends
church on Sundays, and together with other brothers of the
Pointe-a-Pierre parish provided
and served “Meals on Wheel”
(MOW) to the needy and the poor
for the past five years.
To his wife Louise and family
he is well-loved and has great
pride in having fostered a brilliant
family line. His siblings and
grands (26) spread from England
to Canada to the US Army and
all have achieved excellence in
their endeavours.
To me he is my mentor and my
friend, one who I can always
rely on for constructive criticism,
advice and assistance, and a ‘picong’ or two when the
occasion is right. One of his favorite quotes is “before you
were born” whenever he highlights one of his experiences.
As a long standing member of TTARP, he recognized that
in the Fyzabad and Oropouche districts there was a need
for a TTARP zonal group, and with the help of Joyce Wong
Sang, TTARP’s zonal coordinator, one was formed with 15
members. To date there are over 150 members, with about
25 to 30 attending meetings monthly to plan the many social
events of the group.
In his spare time when he is not working or writing he can
be found in his garden, and he also rears husbandry and
livestock. Today he is recovering from an illness which has
restricted his mobility but his keen mind and sense of humour
is still active and alert.
Long life and all blessings to you my friend.
NEVILLE A. NAVARRO.
TRIBUTE TO A PATRIOT
“YOUR CHILDRENWILL TELL
YOU THAT I’M RIGHT” - UAS
FYZABAD ZONE
by Neville A. Navarro.
Urban Sylvan
