The City of Lauderhill is set to come alive tonight as it begins two days of festivities celebrating Trinidad and Tobago’s 63 years of independence. The celebration kicks off this evening with the 63rd Independence Entrepreneur Awards and concludes on Friday, August 29, with the city’s annual Taste of Trinidad and Tobago festival.
Tonight’s awards ceremony, beginning at 6 p.m., will be held at the Ken Thurston Inverrary Community Center, 3300 NW Inverrary Blvd., recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and community leaders who contribute to the city’s vibrant Caribbean community.
The festivities continue Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with A Taste of Trinidad & Tobago, a free public event celebrating the sights, sounds, and flavors of the twin-island nation. Attendees can enjoy live performances by soca artist Shelly Sweetshells, music by DJ 3rd Degree and FyahHeart Entertainment, as well as cultural performances including steelpan, tassa drumming, and dance presentations by Jaya Devi Arts, Miss Miami Broward Pageant contestants, Karnival Bounce, and others.
Food will take center stage, with authentic Trinidadian dishes served by local favorites such as Joy’s Roti Delight, Tabanka, Singh’s Roti Delight, King’s Chicken, and more.
Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain on August 31, 1962, and has since become a global ambassador for Caribbean culture, music, cuisine, and Carnival traditions, blending African, Indian, European, and Indigenous influences into a unique national identity.
Organizers say the family-friendly celebration is designed to bring the Lauderhill community together to honor Trinidad and Tobago’s independence while showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Mayor Denise D. Grant and Consul General Bruce Lai are expected to attend, further underscoring the city’s deep Caribbean roots.
