tidings
Clint Chan Tack
COMMUNICATIONS Minister Symon De Nobriga on Thursday said the plethora of activities planned to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s 60th anniversary of Independence this month and next are proceeding apace.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis outlined the program of activities at a press conference at her ministry on August 5. A total of 7.5 million dollars was allocated to finance these activities.
So far, eight activities in the program have been completed. Among these were this month’s state visit by the President of Guyana Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, an Agri-Expo Forum in Port of Spain and three cultural caravans in Diego Martin, Arima and Barataria.
De Nobriga said, “The Agroforum was a tremendous success and the Prime Minister announced earlier this week that we will make this an annual event.” The Prime Minister’s Multisite Art Exhibition is open and continues with exhibitions at Whitehall, Kilarney Castle, Mille Fleur and Piarco International Airport.
“We are on the last leg of the cultural caravan that has seen us visit numerous communities across the country to celebrate the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.” De Nobriga described the reaction within the various communities as overwhelming.
“We have seen the spirit of the Independence Day take over the nation.”
De Nobriga said: “Our next marquee activity is a cultural showcase on Independence Day, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t activities happening almost every day across the country.”
Independence Day will have a full day of activities planned. He encouraged the public to come to the parade and stay for the concert titled “Together 60”.
Regarding the various art exhibitions being held as part of the celebrations, De Nobriga said: “The collections on display for the public in the Seven Magnificent buildings are from the collections of the Central Bank, First Citizens Bank and Angostura.”
He said members of the public can get more information about ongoing and upcoming Independence Day activities by checking social media @forgingforwardtt
Activities completed for Independence Day:• Youth Week – August 8 – 12• State Visit – President of Guyana Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali – August 17-20• With These Crafts Market – August 18• Agri-Forum Expo – August 19-21• Cultural Caravan – August 19 – Diego Martin • Cultural Caravan – August 20 – Arima • Cultural Caravan – August 21 – Barataria • Crossing Village – game – August 24
Ongoing activities for Independence Day• YoUbuntu – August 14th – September 11th • PM Multi-Country Art Exhibitions – August 24th – September 30th
Events to come• Cultural Caravan – August 26 – Eddie Hart Grounds, Tunapuna• Naparima Bowl Celebrates 60 – August 27• Dream Chasers Internship Program Graduation – August 27• Shaw Park Illumination – August 27 – September 3• Cultural Caravan – August 27 – Pt Fortin• Illumination of Buccoo Walk and “Sunday School Activities” – 28 Aug• Shonari Richardson Art Show – 28 Aug• Official Visit – Prime Minister of Jamaica – 29 Aug – 1 Sep• People’s Gala – 29 Aug• Concert Gala at PM – August 30• White Hall @ 60- August 30 – September 1,2,3• North East Tobago Art Trail and Biosphere Launch -August 30• Independence Day Parade- August 31 – Tobago• Festival of Independence Day Road – 31 August – Tobago• Fireworks Display – 31 August – Tobago• Independence Day Parade – 31 August – Trinidad• TT Craft Center – Craft Market – 31 August• Toast to the Nation – 31 August• Together 60 Cultural Show and Fireworks – August 31• Fishing Tournament for youth – September 1 • “Conscious Castara” Bonfire Event – September 1 • Youth Video Contest Awards – September • Fish and Lime Fried Lunch – September 2 • Walkathon & brunch, white and black – September 3 – Tobago• Tree Planting – September 3 – Tobago• Riddum & Steel Festival in association with Pan Trinbago – September• “Bago Jam” Mega Concert & Tobago Carnival Launch – September 10• Diamond Jubilee Calypso Monarch – September 10, 17, 25• Moon on a Rainbow Shawl – September 14• Student Parade – September 23 – Tobago• Republic Day March – September 24 – Tobago• Speedboat Regatta – September 24 – Tobago • Republic Day Cultural Show and Fireworks Display – 24 September – Tobago• Fireworks – 24 September – Tobago• National Youth Awards – 25 September
