Happy Independence Trinidad and Tobago! Today we celebrate 50 years as an Independent nation. Early this morning, midnight to be exact, there was a re-enactment of the lowering of the British National Flag followed by the hoisting of the National flag of Trinidad and Tobago. It was a historic moment even though they were way ahead of schedule regarding the time the flag went up the pole. This one time they were early and you know the saying, anytime is Trinidad time and Trini always late... well that was not the case tonight. The show went on and then came the speeches by the Heads of State
Prior to the ceremony there was a cultural program that featured the diversity of the nation. It was a very wonderful show. The Prime Minister and President spoke but it was the President who presented a very down to earth speech that exposed the issues facing us today.
Following the speeches and the exit of the military personnel they was a grand fireworks display. Then came Roderick 'Chucky' Gordon who came on and delivered his winning song for the Yul Brynner 50Th. Anniversary Calypso Monarch competition. After Chucky performed Machel Montano HD came on and the crowd just went crazy! I must mention that as I write this article Machel is performing in Trinidad and later tonight he will perform in Brooklyn NYC for the Brass Soca Fest! Many artists performed but it was Machel and Benjai on stage singing "Trini" that sent the Woodford Square delirious - it was a wonderful performance.
This was a time of celebration but much has still to be done. We still have race problems and even though people are in denial I see this as a very important issue that needs to be addressed. Crime is a problem but race issues still divides us as a people. We continue to forge ahead but we need to feel secure with each other before we can accomplish our goals. As President Maxwell said tonight, "unless all have crossed, none have crossed".
Together We Aspire And Together We Will Achieve...May God bless us all!
