Happy Independence Day Trinidad and Tobago! To commemorate this special day in T&T history I thought I would remind and inform everyone about what our first Independence celebration was like and what it has become today. It has been now 45 years since T&T broke free from Great Britian.

FIRST INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from Great Britain on August 31st, 1962. At midnight on 30th August, 1962, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time. Bells tolled and sirens rang out to herald the birth of the newly independent nation. This first Independence Day was marked by more than a week of festivities and events across the country from August 28 to September 05, 1962 (See the Programme of Events). Several international dignitaries were present for this auspicious occasion including the Queen’s representative, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal who read the message sent by Queen Elizabeth II, relinquishing her rule.

INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION TODAY

Today, Independence Day is celebrated with military-style parades held at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain and in Scarborough, Tobago. In Trinidad, the parade is inspected by the Head of State who, from 1962-1976, was the Governor General (i.e. the Queen's representative in Trinidad and Tobago). When Trinidad and Tobago achieved Republican status in 1976, the President then assumed this role. The Chief Secretary, who is the leader of the Tobago House of Assembly, heads the Tobago parade. After the official activities at the parade grounds, the contingents march through the streets to the accompaniment of live music played by the bands of the various forces (e.g. Police, Fire and Prison bands). Cheering spectators line the parade route creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

The evening is usually marked by the presentation of National Awards in a ceremony held at the President's House. These awards, which were first presented in 1969, honour the outstanding achievements of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in various fields.

Finally, this day of celebration comes to a close with fireworks displays at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain and the Port Authority Compound, Scarborough Tobago. Thousands of people gather from early in the evening to get a strategic vantage point to view these shows. Source: National Library 

INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION IN WASHINGTON, DC

Lively tassa drums and soca music will mark T&T Independence tonight at Zanzibar on the Waterfront. Calypso legend Black Stalin, a five-time winner of the Calypso Monarch competition, headlines the evening, which also features performances by slam poetry champion Roger Bonair-Agard, the Blazing Fire Tassa Group and Francis Richards & Company. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $20 in advance.

6 p.m.(until 3 a.m.) Friday, Aug. 31

Zanzibar on the Waterfront

700 Water St. SW
Washington, DC

• Price: (Buy Tickets)

Local Rapso group 3Canal has been accepted by the World Music Expo (WOMEX) jury to perform in Seville, Spain in October 2007. Womex is the largest showcase of World musicians on the planet; and out of over 600 applications, the group was one of 36 artistes selected.

WOMEX is the most important international professional market of world music of every kind. This international fair brings together professionals from the worlds of folk, roots, ethnic and traditional music and also includes concerts, conferences and documentary films. It contributes to networking as an effective means of promoting music and culture of all kinds across frontiers." 

WOMEX runs the last October weekend of every year. It begins on a Wednesday afternoon from with early-bird registration, stand set-up, and then the WOMEX Opening Night with the first showcases. Then, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday come the principal days with the full conference, film market, trade fair and showcase programmes. Sunday hosts the remaining trade fair day until 14.00. It’s a final opportunity to make contacts and wind down with a leisurely lunch and a final good-bye.

The Conference is the think-tank of music producers, makers and shakers and the delegates' chance to grab the attention of fellow participants. The WOMEX Jury selects informative, educational, even controversial speakers to present their topics.

Open from Thursday morning and closing on Saturday the Trade Fair is the nerve centre of WOMEX. Our equal-stands-for-all rule and keep-the-volume-down policy help create the unique WOMEX ambience so different from any other music fairs.

And then comes the music. All night. Every night. The Showcases continue our policy of presenting the widest possible range of global music stars, secrets and discoveries, with or without a record contract.  WOMEX presents around 3 dozen exciting Showcases in all.

In just 12 years, WOMEX has grown to over 2,500 delegates and 1.400 companies from more than 80 countries.

Source: IslandEvents.com