After an absence of several years, the parish council of St Peter’s Pointe-à-Pierre decided to revive the annual outing. Paramin was the unanimous choice for 2007.

So on Sunday, September 23, 22 parishioners including three very young ones, boarded our regular maxi taxi at the church yard of Christ the Lord RC, Marabella at 7.30 a.m. and headed for our destination. Since Mass at Paramin is celebrated at 7.00 a.m. we stopped for the 9.00 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Maraval.

At the end of the Mass we were acknowledged and warmly welcomed by the parish priest, Fr Allan Mohammed OP.

Needless to say the Maravalians would have known that there were strangers in their midst by our lively singing and clapping, now a tradition at St Peter’s. We are told that when one sings, one prays twice.

Excited Pointe-a-Pierre parishioners in Paramin

We left the Church after much “picture taking” by our regular photographer, Clara Tidd and newcomer Nicole Frontin.

The journey to Our Lady of Guadalupe meant leaving the maxi taxi and taking the jeeps, which run up and down this stretch of the hill.

This required some waiting and our efforts to hop a lift from the private cars proved fruitless. I guess in these times strangers are not always trusted.

We had our lunch on the grounds of the church while awaiting the members of the Paramin Parish Council. We were struck by the sight of ripe mangoes on a tree on the church grounds. Mangoes at this time! I thought the season had finished.

Claudia Felix, president of the Parish Council arrived with other members and graciously welcomed us and gave us a tour and history of the church.

Imagine a church with open windows, planters with thyme and greenery, a fountain with fish and an adoration chapel. We were told that the church was the work of deceased Fr Kevin de Loughry OP. Indeed a fitting dwelling place for Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Two other parishioners who own larger jeeps were our drivers and guides for the rest of the journey up the hill. Those of you who have been to Paramin could attest to this “unforgettable drive”  – a hill as steep as a pin – Our San Fernando hill “pales in comparison”.

With much “oohs and aahs”, and with the rain falling heavily, we reached the top, which we were told was Paramin. What a spectacular view, something out of this world, serene and breath-taking, the sea beneath, Co Co Island where our national birds nest, the wonderful view of Port of Spain and other parts of the island the fast ferry making its way to Port of S pain.

 We were happy to be there. The way down was just as spectacular. At the church our hosts had for each of us the produce for which Paramin is famous.

We then boarded the jeeps for the final journey down the hill, the smell of chive, celery and thyme filling the air. Thank you Mrs Felix and others, for your hospitality.