This is C*POP and me back in November 2003. Note our fresh faces, our easygoing demeanors, and all the other things which belie the fact that the photo was taken at 1am. Oso said we “look like the epitome of modernity. . . . All you’re missing is the Prius parked outside.” (For the record: to date, there are no Priuses in Trinidad, nor do I expect to see any time soon in this oil- and gas-rich nation of ours). The photo was taken for a newspaper article on siblings who work together.

This afternoon we were photographed again, for the second issue of a magazine called Generation Lion. The first issue was supposed to have highlighted “young Trinbagonian heroes”. I learned today, however, that one of the other people being featured in our issue is Billy Ocean (who, for the record, was born in Fyzabad in southern Trinidad, a number of years before either C*POP or I saw the light of day). Yes, he of “Caribbean Queen”, “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” and other songs which today we deny ever having known the lyrics to.

When last has anybody heard anything from – or about – Billy Ocean? Should C*POP and I feel flattered at the idea of Billy’s company – or should we feel deeply depressed? And if we’re having misgivings, can you imagine how poor Billy must be feeling to be included in the same magazine as the likes of us?