Tobago
Newsday reporter
DEXTER EDWARDS
Emancipation Day celebrations on Monday signaled the close of the 2022 edition of the Tobago Heritage Festival.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid19 pandemic, the closing procession and cultural show at Crown Point brought out colour, glitz, freedom and talented performances.
Among the cultural groups on show were the Charlotteville Folk Performers, the Zante Dancers and the Roxborough Folk Performers.
The large crowd was also treated to traditional characters, a Moriah Ole Time Wedding presentation, calypso by Leslie-Ann Ellis and Delani Baynes and the Little Miss Heritage parade, which featured the winning queen from the Mason Hall Police Youth Club.
Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport Assistant Secretary Megan Morrison said the celebration was about freedom.
She said, “We’re on the streets of Crown Point and we’re free, free, free. We have not only achieved physical freedom, but also mental freedom. We are free to celebrate.
“The procession is free to go through the streets, without hindrance. The Baptist religion is free to worship. So emancipation, we are free to be here.”
Morrison also emphasized the importance of physical interaction during heritage celebrations, as opposed to virtual viewing, which has been the case in recent years.
“Actually, personal viewing is my thing – virtual doesn’t have personal contact, and without that personal contact, one doesn’t really understand what our culture and heritage is about.
“That personal touch, there’s nothing that can replace that.”
Asked about the budget for the carnival celebrations planned for October, Morrison said: “A budget for the carnival celebrations is currently before the executive council and by next week there should be a release for the 2022 carnival budget.”
