English accent, Trini emphasis
AS TOLD TO BC PIRES
My name is Shane Collens and, when they hear my Queen’s English, BBC Radio accent, people don’t believe I was born in Trinidad.
My accent is more South Ken than Southend.
I’m fourth-generation Trinidadian and have lived here for 40 years.
I was born in Henry Pierre Street, my father in Dere Street.
My great-grandfather, the English implant, was posted here as Inspector of Schools, which, today would be the Minister of Education.
I’m from Cascade and have never wanted to live anywhere else. I have a view from the hillside. I can walk to Hi-Lo and the Savannah.