By Anthony Joseph

Turning 60 is special – there’s no doubt about it. And there’s something about milestones like this that puts us in a reflective, even a slightly nostalgic mood about the journey travelled thus far. If I were to do a poll right now and ask you to tell me what you think our greatest achievement has been over the past 60 years, I’d probably get quite the variety of responses…

There is really no right or wrong answer here but I can tell you that from the perspective of the Consulate, there is one answer that is “righter” than others and that is that our greatest achievement is…you. Our people drive our excellence.

Tracey Ramsubagh-Mannette, Consul General (Ag.), Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Yesterday, August 31^st, members of the Trinbago community in Ajax gathered to celebrate 60 years of Independence with a flag-raising ceremony at St. Nedela Church Hall, Ajax.

However, the flag raising was but a small part of a larger program; one that was staged by the combined effort of social groups including Trinidad and Tobago 50 plus of Canada and Taibu Community Health services.

Hosted by popular businessman Shane Suepaul, the morning was filled with that Trini spirit symbolized by performances by a range of representatives from the Trinbago diaspora.  The spirit of harmony was much in evidence particularly by a spellbinding “drummology” featuring African and Indian drumming in unison.

The celebration also featured three outstanding calypsonians – Henry “King Cosmos” Gomez sang “Trinbago”, a song he composed to suit the occasion. Cosmos was ably supported by a “community effort” as the audience became his backup singers. Joel “Connector” Davis and his sister Joanne Davis popularly known as Princess Trinidad rounded out the calypsonians in the house.

But a Trinbago celebration is not complete without dance. And that was provided by the Footsteps Dancers from Jessica Prasad’s Footsteps Dance School, the Hummingbird Dancers from Oshawa’s Club Carib, and a special guest appearance by one of Martin Scott Pascal’s wonderful dancers, who brought the crowd to their feet.

Nor is a Trinbago celebration complete without food. And that was supplied by Lena’s Roti and Doubles of Ajax. The fare also included stewed chicken, paleau and noddles. 

Of course we expect the bar to be raised when the 61^st anniversary comes around. You can depend on it.

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