By: Michael Mondezie
On January 5, Soka in Moka will celebrate its 25th edition with a return to its original home at Trinity
College in Moka.
After two years at the adjacent St. Andrews Golf Club, the highly anticipated Carnival starter is heading
back to the college grounds for its Silver Jubilee edition. More than just a PTA fundraiser, Soka in Moka
has evolved into the unofficial launch of T&T’s Carnival.
“It certainly is a milestone,” shared Janice Richards, the event’s creator and a former Trinity College
teacher. “We’ve lost a couple of members over the years, but I’m really pleased we’ve been able to keep
it together. I always remember standing up during the first year, looking at the crowd and the bands and
thinking, ‘Look at this. We accomplished this.’”
Richards recalls how the idea for Soka in Moka was born when she and two fellow parents brainstormed
ways to raise funds for the school.
“We just sat down one day and asked ourselves if we could do something like the events hosted by
Bishop Anstey and other schools,” she said. “It was okay at first, and it grew and grew. And now it’s
considered the start of the Carnival season, which makes us very proud.”
The soca litmus
Today, Soka in Moka widely regarded as the “litmus test” for soca artistes, setting the tone for which
songs will dominate the fete circuit.
“We never really pushed the idea of being the ‘litmus test,’” Richards explained. “It’s just the
date—being the first fete of the season. People look at us that way, and a lot of artistes use us as a
starting point to see how they will do for the Carnival.”
Despite its success, the event hasn’t been without challenges. Weather remains a constant concern,
especially as climate change worsens.
“At that time of year, we always have rain,” Richards noted. “And the parking situation is always a bit
tricky. But I would say the weather is the biggest challenge, especially now with climate change making
things more unpredictable.”
Making the lives of students better
Over the past 25 years, proceeds from Soka in Moka have funded numerous projects at Trinity College,
including repainting the school, refurbishing the computer lab, upgrading the PA system, and supporting
extracurricular activities like football and drama. Richards hopes the tradition will continue to thrive.
“This is the largest fundraiser for the school,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll see greater participation in the
future.”Richards praised the dedication of the Soka in Moka committee.
“Every member here is a volunteer. Nobody gets paid, though many feel so,” she said. “It’s a stressful
time, and there’s a lot I have to ask of people, but they are so committed. We’re really like a family, and
that’s one of my greatest joys.”
The retired Geography teacher expressed a desire to see more involvement from past students. Several
former students who have gone on to become soca stars and radio personalities—Third Bass (Adrian
Hackshaw), Mical Teja (Mical Williams), Shal Marshall (Stephenson Marshall), and Olatunji
Yearwood—have graced the Soka in Moka stage over the years. Richards hopes their participation will
inspire others to contribute.
“One of the biggest challenges, and still is, is that we need to get more of our old boys involved—buying
tickets and supporting the school,” she said. “I look at St. Mary’s College, where tickets sell out quickly
because alumni are so engaged. I wish we could get to that point someday. Every single cent we make
from Soka in Moka goes towards the college, and it really is for the students.”
Reflecting on the event’s journey, Richards concluded: “I’m on my way out after 25 years—it’s a lot. We
started this in 2000. I don’t consider myself a big fete promoter, but for Trinity College, I’ll do it. It’s been
a good feeling to see what we’ve achieved.”
