It’s harvest time again and St. Mary’s parish has launched its third edition of Toute Bagai.
It was in the yard of the Ali’s residence that Michael Singh outlined his vision of the St. Mary’s R. C. Church harvest for the year 2004. He wanted to do something different, fun and effective. He even gave it a name – Toute Bagai, which in our local language means anything and everything. The first Toute Bagai had all sorts of stalls ranging from the traditional punchboard and religious to the lively Dunkers and Tin Pan Alley as well as, the fascinating Petting Zoo. It was a wonderful time. A storm had threatened to ruin the day’s events but with the statue of the Virgin overlooking the day’s proceeding from the top steps of the St. James Amphitheatre, no rain dared to fall.
Toute Bagai 2004 was a hit. It saw the gathering of people from different areas in St. James - Upper Bournes Road, Belle Vue, Dundonald Hill, Dibe, Kandahar, St. James Proper and Cocorite. Everyone had a fantastic time. The day was also incident free.
Toute Bagai has evolved and this being the third edition has comes with the addition of some new features. This year the space will increase as the committee has sought permission to use a portion of Bay Road, the Plant stall has been revived with some new features and there will also be a linx machine for the convenience of parishioners.
The presentation of Toute Bagai shows an understanding of the culture of St, James and the world that we live in. St. James is a place that never sleeps and Toute Bagai draws some of its energy from this. There is never a dull moment. The Day begins with Holy Mass celebrated at the Church, then a procession on the Western Main Road leading parishioners to the St. James Amphitheatre where all the excitement begins. There is a brief formal program to open the proceedings, which includes the blessing of the Stalls by the parish priest. All of this takes place with a backdrop of tassa drumming and steelband.
This year is special for us. It is the third edition and for the first time in the history of the parish we will be without a resident priest. Our beloved shepherd, Fr. Gerard Tang Choon has been called away to greater duties – no he did not die. He will be taking up the post left vacant by Fr. Garth Eversely O. Carm who is away seeking medical treatment.
It should be noted here that Fr. Garth Eversley O. Carm was Fr. Gerard O. Carm’s predessor. Fr. Garth is a jovial priest with a hearty laugh. He was blessed with the gift of administration; he was almost like a businessman. It was under his stewardship that the Toute Bagai idea was nurtured and supported. He bought into the vision right away and gave the committee his full support. Fr. Garth used every opportunity to endorse the endeavors of the committee. Much of Toute Bagai’s success can be attributed to his efforts.
This year our theme is ‘ we are family.’ Our family does not only include those who attend mass regularly, but the Entire St. James Community and anyone else who would like to join us. The Catholic Church is like an all-inclusive movement. There is a place for everyone under the ‘Son.’ We love the sinner but despise the sin. It is within this paradigm that we embrace all people and invite them to fellowship with us.
The excitement takes place on Sunday 12, August 2007 at the St. James Amphitheatre from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. Patrons are encouraged to turn their pots down and spend the entire day with us. Breakfast, Lunch and Tea will be available as well as Indian delicacies and cutters.
There would be entertainment throughout the day, pan, tassa druming, calypso and dance. There will also be about twenty stalls to part take of. At 6 P.M. we direct our attention towards the stage area for the inaugural Miss Toute Bagai Show. Here we celebrate the beauty of St. Mary’s parish. Eight contestants will vie for the title parading a cocktail dress and evening gown. They will be competing for the grand prize of a trip to New York.
The organizing committee headed by Anthony St. Clair includes, Allison flament, Alma Jaggernauth, Gemma Seupersad, Rosann Bailey-Kent, Stacey C. Foster, Michael Singh and Cheryl Elie.