Written by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
It’s a powerful bond. This Dave Rahaman knows very well who gladly hosted the headmaster and local Alumni of Canadian boarding school, Trinity College School (TCS) at Travellers West in early December.
A 1984 TCS alumnus himself, Rahaman sunk his toes into the sand and now calls Nassau home since he took over the iconic, 40 plus year history-filled Travellers Rest, after it had been closed for a few years. Located on West Bay Street, with an incredible ocean view, he rebranded it “Travellers West” which he opened in early 2019. Rahaman is no stranger to The Bahamas since his longtime friendship with Bahamian TCS alumni Mark Finlayson brought him to The Bahamas for many years where he fell in love with the people and the country.
The Trinity College School evening at Travellers West was opened by TCS Headmaster Stuart K.C. Grainger as well as Doug Mann, executive director, philanthropy and alumni. Grainger said that Trinity College School, located in Port Hope, Ontario currently has 589 students with 287 boarders from 35 countries, with 51 grade 9 boarders. “For next year we should have around 10 - 12 students from The Bahamas and there is bursary assistance.” He also mentioned that the TCS endowment has doubled - they are the second biggest in the Canada and interested Bahamian students can apply to the larger fund and the dedicated local endowment.
“Fifty percent of the boarders who go to a Canadian boarding school from the Caribbean go to Trinity College School,” said Grainger. “We have $70,000 dedicated to Bahamian students and we are committed to The Bahamas. The Bahamian market is strong because of the Tomlinson family,” praised Grainger, who presented special gifts to Donnie Tomlinson and Board of Governors member, Bonnie Wilson-Davis. In 2003, the Tomlinson family started a TCS endowment fund.
Trinity College School is recognized as one of Canada’s oldest and best recognized schools. Approximately 120 students graduate from TCS each year where the majority remain in Canada for university with 10% to 15% going to the UK and 5% to the US. Top of the list for Canadian universities for Trinity graduates are University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto and Queens University.
The alumni group at Travellers were encouraged to visit and to discover the expansion and upgrades - like 5 gymnasiums, a large commissary and newly renovated library with dedicated academic assistance program. The School has also been named the greenest school in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council and the Canada Coalition for Green Schools.
Dave Rahaman closed out the evening, stating that he was proud to be an alumnus and was touched to have so many local TSC members at Travellers. He welcomed them to keep returning to enjoy the restaurant’s Bahamian and West Indian menu, the various themed evenings like Hockey Night At Travellers, Karaoke, Open Mic Nights and music jamming sessions. Iconic Travellers Rest was known for visits from music legendaries like Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Ozzie Osborne and Sly and The Family Stone who are just a few listed. Rahaman proudly shares that no Hard Rock Café in the world can boast the music legacy of Travellers. You can find more information about Travellers West at www.travellerswest.com or on Facebook at Travellers West Bahamas. If you have a Travellers Rest historic story you would like to share, please send Dave a message through FB Messenger or via WhatsApp at 242-424-0599.
Dave Rahaman (center) proprietor of Travellers West Restaurant (formerly known as Travellers Rest) hosted an evening for Trinity College School (TCS) of Port Hope Ontario. He is seen with members of the Tomlinson family. Donnie Tomlinson who is a trustee of TCS and established an endowment fund to help Bahamians attend TCS had his own children attend. A TSC Alumnus himself, Dave raves about the TCS experience which his children have also had the opportunity to attend TSC. From right to left are: Chris Tomlinson, class of 1997, Geoff Tomlinson, class of 1995, Dave Rahaman, class of 1984, Deborah Tomlinson and Donnie Tomlinson. Missing is Ashley Tomlinson, class of 2001.
It was a fun and reminiscent evening for visiting Trinity College School (TCS) executives and Trinity alumni in Nassau, Bahamas at Travellers West Restaurant on West Bay Street. Dave Rahaman (class of 1984) and proprietor of Travellers was proud to host the group who enjoyed Bahamian and West Indian cuisine. Shown in the photo in the front row are: Christian Knowles (2013), Rodney Sands, Stuart K.C. Grainer, headmaster at TSC, Bonnie Wilson-Davis, board of governors TCS, Neil Williams (1989), Dave Rahaman (1984), Doug Mann, executive director, philanthropy and alumni, TCS, David Knowles (2008) and Leroy Smith (1994). In the back row from left to right are: Ryan "Chilly" Knowles, Chris Premock, Ryan Reid (1995), Spencer White (1993), Chris Wheaton (1996), Chris Tomlinson (1997), Jayson Maynard (1995), Henry (Henio) Podlewski (1989), Michael Slack (1989), Geoff Tomlinson (1995), and Craig Lines (partially hidden).
Photo credits: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
