Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The Foundation for Heritage Preservation & Legacy Creation, REDZI & Aleeyah Amanda Ali would like to congratulate, ROOTS, Mtima Solwazi - Editor/Founder as well as all the contributing writers and sponsors of the Special Anniversary Collector's Edition Magazine. This publication continues to be a beacon of hope for many and a catalyst within not only the poetry world and the community but to the general public in raising awareness about many issues. ROOTS has proven to have what it takes to contribute significantly to the revival of our oral traditions in circulating this publication throughout T&T and across the seas to Canada, Jamaica etc. We are delighted to partner with ROOTS...
Aleeyah Amanda Ali,
Founder /President,
The Foundation for Heritage Preservation & Legacy Creation,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

It is refreshing to see a local production such as ROOTS provide a vehicle for expression that is of an international standard. Well done, once again we’ve put T&T on the world stage.

Jerome Chambers
EMBA Student,
Loc Jack Graduate School of Business,
University of the West Indies,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago


The articles in this magazine strike the heart and empower the mind to see for oneself that this life that we are living is not for ourselves, but we birthed solely to be an example to another who is looking on, who is listening on. I say this, because as an Instructor, I use this magazine as a source of knowledge when doing enhancement sessions with my trainees. As I am edified, so are they, as I share this new found knowledge with them. Mr. Solwazi, keep stirring up that spirit of excellence within you!
Josanne Cox,
Literacy Instructor,
Literacy Department,
Servol,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

There is a poetic phenomenon manifesting itself in a rejuvenation of the orature that is historically intrinsic to the history of Trinidad and Tobago; the plethora of emerging poets, open mics and similar forums testifies to this. ROOTS therefore, serves an indispensable function of providing a channel for all poets, thereby ostracizing preconceived notions of societal imbalances. The moral overtones are also a welcome attribute, multiplying the impact of the poems gathered and their applicability in classrooms, informal gatherings and as contributions to perspectives on societal issues. ROOTS has just begun, this being their third anniversary and there is yet work to do, issues to cover, poets to publish, poems to publicize. Some may argue that the work accomplished thus far warrants resting. Mtima Solwazi - don’t you dare!
Janique Dennis
Postgrad - Literary Research,
University of Leicester,
United Kingdom

Personally, I think that the “ROOTS” magazine is a very inspirational, motivational, educative, thoughtful work of art. It always has me thinking and reflecting on my present life and which direction I should choose. I anticipate reading the magazine as much as I look forward to my mother’s home-made bread; with all the right ingredients added it’s 100% satisfying. It is also addictive, when you start reading; it keeps your interest enticing you to journey further into the book. With its wonderful poems, interesting messages and amazing articles, once is all it takes, this magazine is the best. Like Tobago “left hand dumplings”, this magazine will have you hooked, you wouldn’t be able to resist it.
Dwith Fonrose
Home Health Aide Trainee,
Chaguanas Regional/Hi-tech Centre,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago


Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst…..The publication is informative and thus very empowering! Every second I spent perusing each item was worth my while. All poems were heartfelt and each writer’s ideas were conveyed with such potency, my emotions became fluid. I will continue to read and support this magazine and I applaud you and your team for the efforts made to impact the youths of this nation especially by giving an opportunity for expression and learning. The advice given in this publication is sound on all counts, no one can disagree! And I particularly liked the messages transmitted in the pictures, subtle but very impacting! The magazine has revitalized my hope in that I see that amidst all the negativity, the very existence of the magazine means that there are still people who care about our future and are diligently seeking to make a positive impact!....there are still people who believe in the potential of this nation, there are still people who believe in me! I am motivated, thank you. Your vision is priceless!
Julene John, RPT
Gospel Artiste,
BSc Chemistry & Management,
BSC Human Nutrition & Dietetics Student, University of the West Indies,
Republic of Trinidad & Tobago , WI
http://www.myspace.com/julenejohn

Thank you so very much for this lovely magazine I was so pleased to receive a copy. It is of a high quality both in content and layout. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Nowadays nobody wants to work hard or to spend time in doing projects like this. You are to be applauded; the “wow factor” is definitely present. I hope you will keep up the good work. Kind regards.
Ann Althea Nedd,
Manager,
Simpli Serene Host Home, Tobago,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

It is my pleasure to be an ardent reader of your magazine. It always gives a refreshing and gentle reminder of that Greater Force/Being. It teaches us that we are not alone and shows us that human way of living. It is not the wealth, the academics or the achievements we are making in life, but understanding who am I , and the hand we extend to our brothers and sisters in times of need.
Wayne Simpsons,
Art Analysis Instructor,
Trainees Extended Support Team,
Adolescent Development Programme,
Servol,
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.