With much excitement, pomp and flare, the Tobago Heritage Festival (T.H.F.) 2015 themed Community Treasures: Recognition was launched with a series of events on May 29th 2015.
The day of activities began with a media briefing at the scenic Fort King George which was well attended. From there it was on to the Street Parade which began at James Park and saw participating groups and villages adorned in their traditional attire take to the streets of Scarborough to herald the upcoming Festival. This street procession culminated with the Official Launch at the central and easily accesible Market Square Car Park.
Chairman of the Tobago Heritage Festival Committee 2015 Mr. Wendell Berkley, called on persons to recognize themselves, their neighbours, village, the island and to acknowledge the contributions by persons to nation, island and village building.
Councillor Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, Secretary of Community Development and Culture in her remarks reminded the audience that the Tobago Heritage Festival is the largest indigenous festival on the island.
The Culture Secretary boasted of the 2014 addition of the Year Round Experience which proved successful and as such would continue this year. She stressed that the Festival should not be confined to two weeks or one month but should always remind us of who we should be.
Dr. Angus also emphasized that the T.H.F. is critical in not only reminding us of our traditions and practices but “also about educating our young people on the values that many of us thrive on even to today.”
Both speakers anticipate a great Tobago Heritage Festival 2015.
The very active audience was entertained by various energetic cultural performances as they danced and sang along. It was evident that persons left the Market Square Car Park with the anticipation of a bumper 2015 Heritage Season.