tidings
Corey Connelly
Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd chairman Dr Charleston Thomas has said the entity aims to introduce new items to the island’s cultural arena.
However, he said the details of the plan will be revealed when it is properly implemented.
“Without saying that it took a lot of time, I can say that we are ready to do a great job of introducing new cultural items into the festival arena on the island, which will certainly bring another level of cultural expression. In our country. doors with the resultant economic returns,” Thomas said in a pre-recorded speech on Friday night during the opening of the 35th edition of the Tobago Heritage Festival at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.
“In other words, a more dynamic TFCL should suggest our efforts to the exhausted possibilities related to how we use ourselves to better know and present ourselves. But it should also place us in the realm of greater economic and investment opportunities.
Thomas said the commission has already begun discussions to make the company a more dynamic and bold organization.
“Beyond what the company has become known for, our new team has already begun discussions on how to imagine a renaissance of the company’s work, not to discourage the traditional perspective, but to build on what is currently winning as festivals of its central focus.”
These, he said, include the national Carnival, the Tobago Jazz Experience, the Blue Food Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Tobago Carnival in October.
Thomas said that although the commission is responsible for planning and coordinating festivals on the island, it is also about building and managing relationships between individuals, villages and organizations in the larger business of shaping and showcasing Tobago’s culture.
He said that festivals hold some answers for the betterment of civilizations.
“They tease our imaginations, making us see big ideas and draw them out. They encourage working and collaborating with a common goal. They require dedication and commitment and encourage us to acquire new skills and develop old ones in order to achieve quality.”
Thomas said festivals also ignite feelings of pride and encourage long, deep work.
“Therefore, in this way, festivals function as environments for the collective expression of the immense value of our existence, capacities and sensibilities.”
He added that the newly appointed board is determined to work towards its responsibility to execute the mandate of setting the framework, support and providing resources to villages and communities to organize and bring these festivals to locals and visitors.
“Our Heritage Festival has long shown us that it is a capsule for attracting, preserving and showcasing how we create and curate our livelihoods on this wonderful island.
The theme of this year’s Tobago Heritage Festival, which lasts just ten days, is Reflect, Rebirth, Rejoice: Rekindling the Flames of Our Heritage.
