FRIENDS, colleagues and well-wishers gathered recently at the Kariwak Village, Crown Point, Tobago, to celebrate the launch of a memoir of John Arnold: A Tobago Son.

Written by Lisa Allen-Agostini, the memoir is an inspiring tale of the events and experiences which moulded Arnold into one of the island’s cultural giants.

It details, among other things, Arnold’s early life in Bethel, his exploits with the Signal Hill Alumni Choir and his battle with prostate cancer.

[caption id="attachment_988372" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dr Eastlyn McKenzie gives remarks at the launch of John Arnold’s memoir, Tobago Son at Kariwak Village Hotel, Crown Point, Tobago, on November 24. - David Reid[/caption]

Arnold, in opening remarks, told guests the idea was conceptualised about five years ago but work on the memoir began in earnest during the covid19 pandemic.

Arnold said he initially wanted to name the book Eventologist, owing to the number of events he was involved in at the time. But he said Allen-Agostini persuaded him to focus on other elements, including his love of music. Many of the interviews were done via Zoom.

Arnold, who read excerpts of the memoir, said it was an eye-opener.

Even though he had read all of the manuscripts, “When I had the real book, it was like a completely different experience,” he said. “The book is blatantly honest. And when I say that I mean every word.”

He believes it is important for Tobagonians to document their stories, the history of the island and all the people who contributed to its development.

The event on November 24 was hosted by former independent senator and educator Dr Eastlyn McKenzie, one of Arnold’s long-time friends and mentors.

McKenzie, who has been the MC at all of Arnold’s shows over the years, lauded his passion as an artist. She recalled his meticulousness in organising graduation ceremonies at Signal Hill Secondary but noted he was never at the forefront of the ensemble.

“In the Signal Hill Alumni Choir you hardly saw John when he was playing,” she said. “Very many musicians accompany their choirs in the front or by the side. John in the back. Is only when the choir moves off the stage, you see this fella there.”

McKenzie, in her typical folksy style, drew chuckles from the audience when she said Arnold “lets down” his bottom lip during performances

“Sometimes I have to remind him to pull up he bottom lip.”

McKenzie recalled it was Arnold’s mother, Jean, who introduced him to music.

“John does not boast about this, but he got a lot of the musical start from a woman who was one of the first female pannists in Tobago. She and two others started female pan sides in Tobago.”

As a deeply-religious woman. McKenzie said, Jean often played soft, soothing music as a pannist.

[caption id="attachment_988373" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dr Faith BYisrael speaks at the launch of John Arnold’s memoir at Kariwak Village Hotel, Crown Point, Tobago, on November 24. - David Reid[/caption]

“John grew up in that atmosphere, but he moved on to oth