by Tony Best

If you notice there is
an extra spring in the step of Combermerians both past and present these days it isn't
an optical illusion.

And there is good reason for the decidedly upbeat mood among the students whose pride in their alma mater is legendary.

Already known for an unmatched esprit de corps among its alumni, the school is basking in the glory of its successes.

They range from the results in Barbados' scholarship examinations; the fact that Rihanna,
a former student, is now one of the world's hottest rhythm and blues singers as seen by her recent Grammy Award; the exploits of Kraigg Brathwaite for the West Indies in the recent Under-15 international cricket tournament; and the pedestal on which George Lamming and Austin "Tom" Clarke
stand as two
of the Caribbean's
literary giants.

Now add David Thompson's victory
in the January 15 general election and his emergence as Barbados' Prime Minister to the list
of accomplishments.

So when the Combermere Alumni Association in the United States, one of the oldest active Caribbean organisations in North America, celebrated its 60th anniversary with an awards dinner at Paradise Caterers in Brooklyn, more than 300 guests attended the function and hailed the Prime Minister, the guest of honour, and the other honourees.

Just as important was the opportunity many of them had to trade stories about their days at the school which is something of a nursery of talent in academia, literature, sports, medicine, business and other forms of public service.

And after Thompson's wife Mara presented the awards to the honourees – Dr Cyrus Murray, David Tudor, Margaret Watson, the widow of the immediate past president Edsil Watson, who died suddenly late last year, and representatives
of Rihanna and Arturo Tappin, the Prime Minister was caught
up in the spirit
of generosity that filled the place.

Thompson, a former headboy of the school, spoke glowingly of the work of grandparents and other close relatives in Barbados who helped to mould the character of thousands of Bajan children.

He described his days
at school as a "life-changing experience", which helped him to transcend the political, racial and social divide
in Barbados and contributed greatly
to where he was today.

He recalled the days when teachers, including the late Harold Brewster and Harry Sealy, would refer students to
"old scholars" at various firms and professions
for guidance and
possible employment.

"I was sent to
Hutson Linton, an old Combermerian, and other members of the legal profession to talk to them about legal careers,"
he recalled.

"That is why anything Combermere gives to me I accept with pride," he said.

Vere Parris, the school's principal, along with Junior Jordan, president
of the Combernere
Parent-Teacher Association, and Grenville Phillips, president of the Combermere School Old Scholars Association
in Barbados, attended
the dinner.

Rihanna was represented by her grandparents Lionel
and Clara Brathwaite who live in Brooklyn, and
in accepting the award
her grandmother said Combermere had set
the course for the
singer's success.

The alumni also launched the Edsil
Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund. That announcement was
made by Ian Watson,
the former president's brother. Winston Yarde, the first vice-president
was the master of ceremonies. Carol Hope Grant was presented with the President's Award.

Among those present were Barbados Ambassador to the United Nations Chris Hackett, Consul-General Jessica Odle, Lennox Price,
who is to succeed Odle, Rueben Best, O'Neil Jones, John Gary Edwards,
Basyl Barrow
and Maurice Kellman.