Passion Never Retires for David Kalloo

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The best thing about my work is that I am always in control of what I write. I love writing and creating stories using dialect. Remembering the way speak and using it in my writing is joyful and nostalgic.

What is my idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness centres being around people you care and love. There is no greater joy than to see people who are close to you, laughing, smiling, conversing, and creating a rhythm that encapsulates everyone in the moment. That is bliss.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Writing is my passion, and so it is something that you never retire from. The passion for writing is my engine room so ‘Passion Never Retires’ resonates perfectly for me.

What is my greatest fear?

To wake up, knowing that I cannot transfer thought on to paper to create stories. It will sadden me to know that the thought must stay in my head and not shared with others.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Putting things off. I have done this so many times in my life because I thought other things were more important. I learnt this late in life. There is an adage, ‘better late than never’ so I am, in one sense glad I was able to learn with time still on my side.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Ron Ramdin, Nasser Khan

What is my greatest extravagance?

I am not an extravagant person as such but if I could, I would certainly treat myself to a Patek Philippe watch.

On what occasion would I lie?

I try to practice telling the truth, even if I have to lie.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I dislike when things come to a standstill. Sometimes when that happens, it takes forever to get going again.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

During Covid. It gave me space and time to write Jumbie in Town.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

A flatter tummy, for as long as I have known myself, I have struggled to attain a flat stomach.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Creating the online magazine Culturepulse. I had asked a group of people

from my university to start a newspaper for people in the Caribbean diaspora, they scoffed at the idea. A few months after I graduated, I created Culturepulse.

Where would I most like to live?

I love my country, Trinidad, and hometown, Arima. If it were possible, I would go back there and live close to nature, with a river flowing nearby, where I could go for a swim every day.

What is my most treasured possession?

I was blessed with two lovely daughters and a granddaughter; they are a treasure in my life.

What is my most marked characteristic?

My sense of humour

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Ever since arriving in London, The Southbank have always been a go to place. I love sitting on the river bank and watch the people of the world go by.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Fish, Wings and Tings in Brixton, and Limin’ on the Southbank

What books influenced my life and how?

To Kill a Mocking Bird and the Black Jacobins. I was inspired to read, To Kill a Mocking Bird by my neighbour as a boy. It fired my enthusiasm for reading and writing. The Black Jacobins because it is the first and still is the only book that really tells the story about Haiti. People who do not understand Haiti should read it.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

I am a great fan of Soca music and Winston Bailey aka, the Mighty Shadow’s Dingolay would be my song.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Jason Bourne

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My mother, she was such an inspiration.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Last of the Mohicans

What role play stories in my life and work?

I am very much in a creative thinking mode and one of activism on a cultural level. I would love for this trait to transfer more in my life and work but presently, secluded to writing. So, an egotistic role has taken over.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

Writing Jumbie in Town, which tells a story from my childhood made me realise, I am an adventurer at heart, and I am politically driven too. I would have liked to let politics tell a story in my life. Maybe there is still time.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

To be honest, I don’t have a greatest fan or sponsor. However, my partner in crime is me, that way, the only person to betray me would be me.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

Growing up, I always dreamt of being the editor of a newspaper or magazine or working for a publishing house like Penguin, Peepal Tree Press or maybe the Trinidad Guardian would be a dream come true.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

Currently, I am working on two books. One about Beers and the other about faeces. I know, heads always turns when I mention that one.

Where can you see me or my work?

www.issuu.com/culturepulse For my magazine

https://amzn.eu/d/iFa9PvX for my Book

Which passionate professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

Karla Cornwall, Ria Nelson, Akilah Jeffers, Memory Pinchbeck

How can you contact me?

Green Mango Chow

Jumbie in Town

I can be contacted at:

https://www.facebook.com/cashewmedia