标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revelers and spectators gathered for the fourth staging of the island’s J’Ouvert celebrations. The event, described by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro as ‘pure niceness,’ showcased the vibrant culture and hospitality of Tobago. The parade route, spanning from the Shaw Park Complex along the Claude Noel Highway, Wilson Street, and Calypso Rose Boulevard, provided ample space for participants to ‘play mas’ and immerse themselves in the festivities. Despite regional tensions, including US Navy operations in the Caribbean and narco-trafficking concerns, the atmosphere remained carefree and celebratory. The Fog Angels’ Wild Wild West band stood out as the largest and most colorful, with over 6,000 masqueraders and a fleet of music and support trucks. Guevarro praised the efforts of ACP Oswain Subero and Snr Supt Earl Elie, along with officers from Trinidad, for ensuring an ‘incident-free’ event. Zorisha Hackett, Secretary of the Division of Education, Research and Technology, expressed her elation at the success of the parade, which marked a significant milestone in Tobago’s carnival history. She emphasized the need for collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago bands while preserving Tobago’s unique identity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission, highlighted the smooth execution of the event and plans to expand the parade route in future years. The festivities continued with Pan and Powder later in the day, culminating in the grand parade of the bands on October 26.

The exhibition *Such Things Exist*, currently on display at the LOFTT Gallery in Woodbrook, Trinidad, offers a profound departure from traditional Caribbean art. Featuring the works of Bianca Peake, Brian Ashing, and Aurora Honeywell, the exhibition delves into themes of identity, emotion, and personal introspection, challenging conventional expectations of Caribbean aesthetics.

Nicole Thomas-Clarke has emerged victorious at the Tobago October Carnival Calypso Monarch finals, held on October 23 in Scarborough. Her win has fueled her determination to secure a spot in the National Calypso Monarch finals next year. Thomas-Clarke, who scored 460 points and won the $100,000 first prize, performed her song ‘Sacrifice,’ which critiques society’s reluctance to work hard for their desires. ‘It is no longer by the sweat of thy brow, they want it now for now,’ she sang, emphasizing the theme of her performance. Dressed in a striking silver and white ensemble, she highlighted the need for genuine effort and sacrifice in achieving success. Thomas-Clarke, a loans officer at Republic Bank Ltd, attributed her victory to a collaborative team effort, ensuring that the presentation, music, and lyrics harmonized perfectly. She expressed optimism about the future of calypso, noting the strong interest shown by the 50 participants in the auditions. The event also saw notable performances from her siblings, Wendy Garrick and Dillon ‘Dilly Suede’ Thomas, who placed second and fourth, respectively. Garrick’s song ‘Family’ addressed the destructive forces of selfishness and greed within families, while Dilly Suede’s ‘One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure’ resonated well with the audience. Other standout performers included Giselle ‘GG’ Fraser, who took third place with her social commentary ‘No Village Can’t,’ and Delanie Baynes, who placed fifth with ‘I Dare You,’ addressing recent socio-political issues. The competition, which featured a mix of seasoned and emerging calypsonians, tackled a variety of themes, from Tobago’s quest for autonomy to the importance of respecting the steelpan. The event concluded with performances by veteran calypsonians Lord Nelson, Benjai, Johnny King, Myron B, and King Unique, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.