The vibrant tradition of stickfighting has officially returned to the community of Debe following a ten-year hiatus, marking a significant cultural revival in the Trinidadian region. The event was celebrated with considerable fanfare, attracting community members and dignitaries alike.
Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, who also serves as the Oropouche East MP representing Debe, expressed profound appreciation for the restoration of this ancestral practice. In public statements, Minister Moonilal extended gratitude to Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Peter Kanhai, and the entire NCC team for their instrumental roles in facilitating the cultural resurgence.
The gathering featured an array of traditional elements that enriched the cultural experience, including performances by a moko jumbie (stilt walker) and a fire-breathing devil character, both iconic figures in Trinidadian folklore. Young stickfighters demonstrated their skills in the gayelle (fighting ring), showcasing the martial art that has been passed down through generations.
The event drew significant political representation, with attendance from Ernesto Kesar (Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and Point Fortin MP), Clyde Elder (Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities and La Brea MP), Kurt Ramlal (chairman of Heritage Petroleum), and Gowtam Maharaj (chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation).
Minister Moonilal characterized the return as “a powerful celebration of culture, heritage, and community pride” that reconnects Debe with its rich cultural legacy while demonstrating a renewed commitment to preserving national traditions.