Former Dean of Studies looks back

Faizal Hydal, a Mon Repos man, was Dean of Studies at Naparima for many years. He has captured his reflections on life in TT during his career years in his book, "Looking Back". There is a chapter devoted to Naparima days; other chapters discuss the war years, changes of government, and so on, from the point of view of an everyday, observant citizen.

This is a delightful book to read because Faiz writes as though he is sitting in his gallery with a couple of lifelong friends, easily narrating happenings, names and places. He talks about his early school days in the town of San Fernando, his college days in POS, life for us young people around the streets and town we know well, movies, cricket and much more. Faiz shares a lot of personal detail - even his favourite songs, investing the story with an optimistic, nostalgic personality, with a smile hehind it. It is a biography and a documentary.

For Naparima readers, Faiz was there from 1966 to 1989, when he left to be principal of ASJA. We therefore get many intimate insights to the operation and development of the school, with Dr A. I. McKenzie at the helm; and a picture of this modest but effective young man making significant contributions in education.

The book is tastefully printed and produced, with many photographs already of a historic caste. It was published in 2014, and available in local book-stores.

Well done, congratulations, Faiz!