Tobago
Corey Connelly
The African Emancipation Day parade and concert brought down the curtain on this year’s Heritage Festival, which, for the first time in its history, was held for a month rather than the usual two weeks.
Speaking to reporters during the African Emancipation Day celebrations at Store Bay, Crown Point, on August 1, Niall George, assistant secretary, Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport Division, said the festival was a huge success.
“We have just completed a very successful Heritage Festival. We had our restrictions to enter the festival. But through it all, we have seen Tobago’s resilience and creativity emerge, while still clinging to our long-ago heritage, values and ethos. Culture is something that evolves and we have to hold on to what has kept Tobago and Tobagonians being Tobagonians.”
The Plymouth/Black Rock assemblyman applauded the presentations of the participating villages, especially those returning to the event after many years.
“Moriah is a staple and we know what we get from Moriah (Ole Time Wedding). But it was nice to see some aspects that weren’t part of Heritage (Festival) come back and that was also the theme of Heritage, We’re Back.
“My personal favorite was Golden Lane because I nearly fell off my chair laughing. The production was solid after being absent for so long.
“Moriah, Charlotteville, they’ve cemented themselves on the calendar and they’re the ones we can mark right away. But to see those who were absent for a while coming back to the calendar and performing so well…The production was amazing.”
Photo courtesy of Visual Styles –
In addition to highlighting new talent, George said, this year’s festival also brought economic activity to some areas of the island.
“It was just a quiet Heritage Festival. And we’re looking at this as a foundation to move forward to bigger and better festivals.”
He also defended the decision to host the festival for a month.
“The month allowed to give other groups a chance to participate. When it matures in two weeks, it is very feverish. This gives other bands that were not at the festival an opportunity to return to the festival. There were some side events that could be completed due to the extra time.
“So in my opinion, one month was a success.”
A lively street procession, entitled A People, A Legacy, A Journey to Freedom, from the corner of Pigeon Point and Milford Roads, preceded the cultural presentation at Store Bay.
The parade, which took place under brilliant sunshine, showcased various aspects of Tobago’s heritage, including the famous Moriah Ole Time Wedding, jab jabs, gorillas and moko jumbies.
Among the participating groups were Sisters In Culture, Zante Unique Touch, Kreative Kalabash and the Mt St George and Mason Hall Police Youth Clubs.
George also talked about roadblocks across the island. He believes licensing officers are “targeting” Tobagonians through the way they are conducting their road exercises.
Over the past week, Trinidad-based licensing officers have been deployed to Tobago to set up roadblocks as part of an anti-crime crackdown to tackle the worsening crime situation on the island.
Various police units were also involved in the initiative, which many Tobagonians considered punitive and unnecessarily burdensome.
“It’s a tickling position. I say the licensing officers should do their job and no one is against them doing their job.
“But to me, it looks like you’re being targeted,” he said.
“Every time there’s a big festival in Tobago, they arrive. But if you’re doing your job all the time, then you wouldn’t need this massive influx of licensing officers to check that.
“So I’m saying we’re encouraging the licensing officers to do their jobs. But please don’t do this as an attack on Tobago and Tobago’s economy.”
