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West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara has stepped into the food and hospitality industry with the grand opening of his first restaurant, 277, located at the upscale Millennium Lakes Golf and Country Club in Trincity. The official launch took place on November 15, attended by a select group of guests, including family, former teammates, business partners, and supporters. Lara, alongside his business partner Shane Sagar, marked this venture as a significant milestone in his post-cricket career, describing it as a new chapter in his professional life.

The restaurant’s name, 277, pays homage to Lara’s historic innings during a 1993 Test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he scored his maiden Test century. Lara reflected on this pivotal moment, stating it was the first time he truly believed in himself as a cricketer. He emphasized that the name symbolizes his journey and breakthrough, making it a fitting choice for his inaugural business venture.

277’s menu showcases a fusion of international cuisines, crafted by a diverse culinary team featuring chefs from England, Trinidad and Tobago, and India. The dishes incorporate local ingredients, blending global flavors with regional influences. A standout offering is the chadon beni chimichurri, a unique blend of Trinidad’s popular seasoning herb with the traditional Argentine-Uruguayan sauce, served with grilled meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.

Lara likened the restaurant’s launch to a cricket campaign, expressing confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness to deliver exceptional dining experiences. He credited Sagar as the driving force behind the project, acknowledging his pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing the restaurant’s design and operations.

The event also featured former West Indies opener Desmond Haynes, who reminisced about Lara’s iconic 277 innings and expressed optimism for the restaurant’s success. Lara shared a humorous anecdote from the 1992-93 tour, recalling how he defied cricketing superstitions by ordering crispy duck the night before his historic performance.

Lara concluded his address by emphasizing his commitment to quality dining, ambiance, and entertainment at 277, inviting patrons to provide feedback as the restaurant begins its operations. He also recognized key individuals, including Faria Hassanali, Marvin Holder, and his close friends Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, for their unwavering support throughout this new endeavor.

The iconic Australian-British soft-rock duo, Air Supply, is set to bring their 50th Anniversary Tour to Trinidad and Tobago on May 2, 2026, at the Queen’s Park Oval. Known for timeless hits like ‘Lost in Love’ and ‘The One That You Love,’ the band’s performance promises to be a nostalgic journey through five decades of music. Produced by Gemini Production and One Fete Inc., the event aims to fill a gap in the local entertainment scene by offering a family-friendly concert that spans generations. Derek Ragoonath, founder and CEO of the production companies, emphasized the universal appeal of Air Supply’s music, which continues to resonate with themes of love and heartbreak. The tour, which began in 2025, has already visited 11 countries, including the US, Canada, and Malaysia. The Trinidad and Tobago stop is particularly significant as it marks the band’s fifth visit to the region, symbolizing a ’50th and fifth’ milestone. Fans can expect a full-scale production featuring premium sound systems, elaborate décor, and surprise guest performers. Ragoonath also highlighted the event’s potential to boost tourism, with visitors expected from across the Caribbean and South America. Early bird ticket sales have already shown high demand, with VIP cabanas selling out months in advance. For more details, visit www.geminiproduction.com.

In 2026, the Fun House Mas Band will make a triumphant return to the children’s Carnival stage with their latest presentation, ‘Nature’s Paradise.’ This vibrant portrayal of Caribbean flora is not just a celebration of the natural world but also a heartfelt tribute to the late Cito Velasquez, a legendary figure in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival history. Velasquez, renowned for his innovative wire-bending techniques and imaginative costume designs, left an indelible mark on the art form, inspiring generations of masqueraders. Bandleader Rochel Tronchin emphasized that dedicating this year’s theme to Velasquez was a natural choice, as his work was deeply rooted in life, movement, and color—elements that resonate with the essence of nature. ‘This is our way of saying thank you and teaching the next generation about the pioneers who shaped Carnival,’ Tronchin explained. The band’s mission to inspire creativity, culture, and joy in the nation’s youth has been a driving force since its debut in 2025. Tronchin described Fun House as a safe, imaginative space where children can express themselves through color, costume, and culture. Last year, the band achieved notable success, securing top positions at various Carnival events, including first place at the Kiddies Carnival in Port of Spain. Building on this momentum, Fun House plans to expand its 2026 presentation with more intricate costumes, interactive elements, and a focus on storytelling. The band will also extend its outreach to include more children from underprivileged communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in Carnival. ‘Nature’s Paradise’ features seven sections inspired by iconic Caribbean plants, each designed to capture the vibrancy and symbolism of the natural world. Acclaimed artist Makemba Kunle, who collaborated with Tronchin on the band’s designs, highlighted the importance of preserving cultural memory through children’s mas. ‘Carnival is living art,’ Kunle said. ‘By blending art and mas, we give children a tangible way to connect with cultural icons like Cito Velasquez.’ Both Tronchin and Kunle view children’s mas as a vital means of passing on Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural heritage. As Fun House prepares for its 2026 performance, Tronchin hopes audiences will feel the joy and wonder that inspired ‘Nature’s Paradise.’ ‘We play in Cito’s honor, we bloom in his memory, and we carry his spirit forward—one costume, one child, one step at a time,’ she expressed.

On November 15, Kalicharan Mas, a renowned Carnival band, launched its 2026 presentation titled ‘Bedazzle at the Lobby’ at Paria Suits in La Romaine. The event was graced by San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, bandleaders Sterlin Mahase and Ayana Kalicharan-Mahase, and a host of models. The band, originally founded by the husband-and-wife duo Ivan and Wendy Kalicharan, has an illustrious history, having won the San Fernando Band of the Year title 31 times. Tragically, Wendy Kalicharan passed away in May 2024 after a battle with cancer. Her daughter and co-bandleader, Ayana Kalicharan-Mahase, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her mother’s life as ‘beautiful and glittery,’ which deeply influenced the designs for the upcoming Carnival presentation. The launch featured six distinct sections: Oro, Onyx, Mystic Quartz, Larimar, Bronzite, and Rose Quartz. Ayana emphasized that the theme transcends mere sparkle, aiming to evoke impact, emotion, and elevated beauty. She described ‘Bedazzle at the Lobby’ as a celebration of brilliance, both literal and metaphorical, connecting to gemstones to create a rich tapestry of meaning and emotional resonance. The event also served as a ‘thank you’ to loyal revellers, culminating in an after-party to honor their enduring support.