MEET OUR EXECUTIVE

CHAIRMAN
Jessel Murray
Jessel Murray is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, and Chair of the Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA). At the DCFA he lectures in advanced voice and piano studies, directs the UWI Arts Chorale and he co-directs the UWI Arts Steel and UWI Arts Wind Ensemble. He also is the Chair of Must Come See Productions. From 2007-2016, he served as the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Trinidad and Tobago National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO). Mr Murray served as the Chair of the National Executive of the TTMFA from 2018-2022 and Chair of the South-Central region from 2022-2024. In 2016, he was awarded the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for University Service and Contribution to Public Service.
Mr Murray is a graduate of Temple University in with a BM in music education (piano and voice) summa cum laude where he was a President’s Scholar. He also holds a Master’s degree in conducting with Alan Harler and advanced studies in piano accompanying under Lambert Orkis of the National Symphony Orchestra (US). Further studies have included choral/orchestral conducting with Bach specialist Helmut Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival in Oregon, USA and Harold Faberman at the Conductors’ Institute at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut.

VICE-CHAIRMAN
Kory Mendez
Mr. Mendez is the Manager of The UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) and the Co-Founder and Producer at MW Productions. In his role at the UWIDEF, he oversees the operations, growth, and long-term sustainability of the endowment fund, which is primarily dedicated to raising funds for scholarships and bursaries to support financially challenged students. As Co-Founder and Producer at MW Productions, he is responsible for overseeing production management and event coordination. He also served as the former General Manager of The Lydian Singers from 2023 to 2025 and Business Officer on the National Executive of the TTMFA from 2022-2024.
Mr. Mendez is a graduate of the College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, where he earned a BSc in Psychology, graduating cum laude. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma
with distinction in Mediation Studies from The University of The West Indies (UWI) and an Artistic Diploma from The University of Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, he is pursuing an MSc in Mediation Studies at UWI. In addition to his academic achievements, Mr. Mendez is a former Music Festival Champion.

Secretary
Toya Louison
Ms. Toya Louison is a dynamic leader, and mentor, with a strong passion for youth advocacy, cultural development, and corporate governance. She is actively involved in several prominent youth-led organizations in the West Indies, fostering leadership excellence, professional development, and community impact.
Beyond these commitments, Ms. Louison holds professional affiliations with organizations such as The Lydians, Woodbrook Secondary School Local School Board, Port of Spain & Regions Parent-Teacher Association, Junior Chamber International Trinidad and the Laventille West Constituency, where she plays key roles in strategic planning, public relations, stakeholder engagement, and administrative governance. She excels in project management, mentoring emerging young professionals in navigating corporate structures and protocols.
A firm believer in ethical leadership and transparency, Ms. Louison champions initiatives that promote integrity, accountability, and youth involvement in decision-making. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to create opportunities for the next generation to thrive in professional and civic spaces.

Assistant sECRETARY/Treasurer
Shurlon Patrick
Shurlon Patrick is a passionate and dedicated Music Instructor with more than a decade in both performing and teaching music. Currently serving in the Ministry of Education, he has had the privilege of teaching and inspiring students across various age groups and skill levels.
His academic journey began with a first degree in Economics, which provided him with a unique perspective on discipline and analytical thinking. However, his true passion for music led him to pursue a second degree in Music, solidifying his expertise and allowing him to bridge his love for the subject.
With a lifelong passion for both learning and teaching, Shurlon continues to grow in his field, constantly seeking new ways to enrich his students’ appreciation and understanding of music.

treasurer
Tamara Paul
With a robust background in administrative support and financial management, I was an accomplished Accounting Assistant at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. My role involved developing and managing annual and biennial budgets, overseeing departmental expenditures, and preparing detailed financial reports. I have a proven track record in liaising with departmental heads, forecasting financial needs, and assisting with governmental approval processes for budgets.
Previously, I held roles as Accounting Assistant I & II and Clerical Assistant at UWI, where I supported various departments, coordinated events, and handled complex administrative tasks. My educational qualifications include an MBA in Management, a Diploma in Industrial Relations, and a BSc in Economics, equipping me with comprehensive expertise in budget forecasting, financial management, and administrative operations. I am known for my exceptional time management, organizational skills, and ability to guide teams towards exceeding quality objectives. Currently, as an Administrative assistant, my role encompasses a range of responsibilities, including HR functions and facilities management. I handle employee onboarding, maintain personnel records, analyzing staffing requirements, and forecasting future HR needs. Additionally, I coordinate facilities management tasks such as scheduling maintenance, overseeing office supplies, and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.

BUSINESS OFFICER
Sean Sadaphal
Mr. Sean Sadaphal is presently the music teacher at Hillview College and is the former music teacher at Naparima Girls’ High School. He holds a BSc Information Systems and Management (UOL), BA Musical Arts (UWI), MA Music (Hunter College, NY) and Diploma in Education (UWI). Mr. Sadaphal’s main career path spans, past Business Analyst at Guardian General Insurance, Director of Business Pro Ltd to Interning at Carnegie Hall in the Government Relations Department and Assistant to the Executive & Artistic Director at Flushing Town Hall, NY. His most recent appointment as a Board of Director to the St Andrews Theological College serves as a testament to his ability to lead & advise as required. Mr. Sadaphal also provides organist and keyboard accompaniment to the Curepe Presbyterian Church and the Church of Assumption, Maraval.

Nicole wong chong
marketing & communications officer
Nicole Wong Chong is a multi-talented professional from Trinidad and Tobago with extensive experience in both the arts and education. She holds a degree in Business administration, a degree in education, a diploma in Project management, a diploma in Digital media management, and a diploma in music theory. With over 10 years of experience working with some of the top directors in Trinidad and Tobago’s theatre industry, Nicole has solidified her reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer. Nicole is also a teacher currently under the Ministry of Education in the Primary School Music Programme Unit, where she teaches music to multiple primary schools. She also teaches drama/theater arts, where she uses this subject area to support young persons in achieving their dreams. Her career continues to thrive, supported by her deep academic grounding and practical experience in project and digital media management, positioning her as a well-rounded figure in both the arts and professional fields.
As a past participant and winner of the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival herself, Nicole Wong Chong is committed to her role as the marketing and communications officer and looks forward to performing her duties as part of the festival committee.

representative for south
Rayphyel Sookoonsingh
Rayphyel is a thorough and methodical administrator who commands years of experience across the fields of business management, hospitality and information technology. He holds an International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies and presently maintains the role of Secretary for the TT South-Central Music Festival Association. A former Biennial Music Festival competitor, Rayphyel has pledged his commitment to the longevity and growth of the TTMFA and its products.
Rayphyel has supported the Festival from behind the scenes for a number of years; working on and alongside the TTMFA National Executive since 2019. His notable contributions include the 33rd, 34th and 35th Biennial Music Festivals (2020-2024) where he has served in the roles of editor, administrator and festival secretary. He is also a member of The Southernaires Choir and has formerly served on its management committee.

representative for north
Maureen Clement
MAUREEN CLEMENT has been a music educator for over 40 years for steelpan, piano, recorder, and voice. She is the founder and Music Director of The Entertainers Music Group and Trinity Singers, both winners at Music Festival. The holder of a Chaconia Silver medal 2020, Ms Clement is an award-winning steelpan soloist, placing second in Pan Is Beautiful and twice champion of the National Music Festival
Composer Class. She has conducted several champion junior bands, performing with and conducting many choirs and steelbands in various parts of the world. She is also an adjudicator of many competitions locally and abroad, including Junior Panorama and Virginia Beach Music Festival. Ms. Clement is Chartered Science Teacher, Executive Director of Prison Fellowship, Chairman of Friends of Botanic Gardens and Curriculum Advisor to We Say Yes NGO. Her life’s motto is ‘it is learned for the benefit of all’.

representative for tobago
Franz Job
Franz is a Song Writer, Musician and Composer of more than 20 [twenty] years, taught and trained by some of the best practitioners of Music and The Arts in Tobago. He is also known as Franz Job the “Country Boy” (the recording artist and performer), and acts as Mentor to various aspiring performers, both in and out of schools and community establishments in the island.
Franz is also Music Director for The Tobago Drama Guild, Youth Quake / Quakettes Performers and Delecia’s Dance Agency.
His works have been featured on various stages, including the Tobago Heritage Festival, the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival, the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition and Carifesta [2019]; alongside other local and regional Music and Arts exhibitions.
Today, Franz serves as Trustee of the Tobago Music Association and Tobago Representative of the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival Association.