With the traditional Independence Day Parade in Trinidad and Tobago cancelled this year, Port-of-Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne says the city is determined to ensure children still have a chance to celebrate the nation’s 63rd anniversary of independence.
The City Corporation has rolled out a full-day programme branded For the Love of Liberty, featuring activities for families and cultural showcases designed to preserve the spirit of the occasion.
“Our hope is that the children are not deprived of an opportunity to celebrate independence and to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of independence,” Alleyne said. “This is about giving them memories and traditions they can hold on to for the rest of their lives.”
The celebrations begin at 10 a.m. at Nelson Mandela Park with a Children’s Fun Day featuring bouncy castles, slides, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, and face painting. Families are then invited to stay for Picnic in the Park, which will highlight local cultural talent.
The day concludes in St. James with Pan on the Avenue, hosted in partnership with the St James Woodbrook Community Association, the Garcia family, and Pan Trinbago.
Reflecting on his own tradition of attending the parade growing up, Alleyne said he wants children today to have their own rituals to remember. “Even when I got into my teenage years and into my 20s and 30s, I still went every year. I always go to buy some snow cone, and it’s something I always look forward to. I want today’s children to have their own version of that ritual, something they will never forget.”
While acknowledging that the government cited cost savings among the benefits of cancelling the parade, the mayor argued that certain traditions should not be sacrificed. “What I will say is that there are some things that are priceless. And our independence, our growth into a nation state, our sovereignty, those things are very precious. That is something that should be celebrated each and every year.”
The government announced on August 16 that there would be no Independence Day Parade or state-sponsored fireworks this year, citing security concerns amid the State of Emergency. Officials also said the move would save approximately $2.6 million. Instead, a National Day of Prayer and Reflection has been planned.
Meanwhile, the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation has unveiled its own Independence Day programme at the Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua, which will feature family activities and a fireworks display in the evening.
