Deep in the wild jungle of Port-of-Spain, there exists a wild animal that goes by the name of the QRC man. This species has been around for many years, and like any other wild animal has been continuously fighting for the right to claim the title "king of the jungle."

This extraordinary animal has conquered and ruled in arenas such as politics, sports, literature and the creative arts and has produced many alphas over the course of its existence, including the likes of Eric Williams, Sir Vidia Naipual, Peter Minshall, Richard Thompson, The Honourable George Maxwell Richards and, of course, the one, the only, Mr. Kerry Peters.

Alas, they are not the only animals in the jungle; among them exist other wild, mysterious animals that threaten to take "their title." But what makes this particular breed of animal different from the rest? Observing them in their natural habitat and carefully interacting with them may help answer that question.

The QRC man oozes confidence or maybe just cockiness and walks around with his chest out, as if to say, "I am here, I will rule and you will like me!"

One particular member of the pack, Kyle La Roche, 16, alluded to this by saying, "QRC students possess a greater amount of maturity than other male schools. This is so, because the school develops an individual academically and physically through work and sports — after all, 'All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.' So the school develops all-rounded individuals, who of course stand out from the rest. Apart from all the great achievements of the school, I wanted to attend QRC because of the many successful individuals that the college has produced. QRC is indeed a remarkable educational institution."

Not only does the pack stay true to form, they make sure everyone else knows it. In an effort to keep camaraderie, there is a Facebook group dedicated to the pack's ego that goes by the name of the QRC Royalians ... no, your eyes have not deceived you, they consider themselves the Royalty of Port-of-Spain and beyond.

You would swear they're God's gift to women and the answer to every prayer. But oh, how humble they are about it! On a very related side note, I once had one of these fine, dignified men approach me and explain to me that in all honesty, I could date as many CIC or Fatima men I wanted, but at the end of the day, I was bound to marry a man who came from QRC!

Why? Joel Sadick, 17, explains: "I'm not saying any girl should choose any boy from QRC over another guy, but how we interact with girls are different in comparison to that of CIC, etc. What I'm saying is we have a different way of carrying about ourselves. QRC boys are more on fun and laughs, but when ready, we can be serious and we are confident."

These boys must be applauded, though. From speaking with them, it is clear that not only are they intelligent, sometimes they can be utterly charming. These attributes, however, should not allow them to have an ego the size of a football field.

Maybe that is what sets them apart; maybe that is what allows them to have continuous success and a legacy that is legendary. Whatever it is, or however any one individual may feel about them, it is quite clear that they are here to stay and will continue to make a name for themselves.

Here's an interesting thought that crossed my mind and can possibly be used as, let's say, some food for thought: If the infamous Kanye West had lived and grew up in Trinidad, it is more than likely that QRC is the school he would have attended! Take what you want from that!

In a jungle filled with prying eyes, each move by any member of the pack unveils them. Facing fierce competition, any move made must be strategic and sensible. Making any mistakes with their prey can guarantee a huge setback in their attempt to be known as the ultimate modern day Casanovas.

But the QRC man is not alone, right in the heart of their self-proclaimed owned territory are other hunters anticipating their inevitable downfall. You see, each having their own piece of the jungle is not enough; they must own all of it!

So many packs sharing a territory is a formula for disaster, of which sometimes ensues when one thinks another is encroaching. Why they aren't able to co-operate and form lasting bonds that goes beyond which pack they belong to remains a mystery to their prey.

Maybe they are unaware that to their prey, despite whichever pack they come from they are all one in the same at the end of the day: a typical animal!

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Editor's Note: The views in this story are those of the writer...so deal with Ms. Metivier via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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