On October 25, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will honor two legendary calypsonians to officially kick off the third installment of the Tobago carnival.
The late Winston Bailey, better known by his stage name The Mighty Shadow, and McCartha Linda Sandy-Lewis, better known as Calypso Rose, are two of eight legends who will be honored for their leadership, culture, and nation-building contributions—five of whom will be honored posthumously.
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Niall George, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation, stated during a post-executive council press conference on October 23 that the THA will honor the icons by renaming notable roadways and sites.
Aloysius Morean and Edna Morean (education), both of whom passed away, the late politician and pharmacist James AA Biggart, the late anthropologist Dr. Jacob Delworth Elder, the late football coach Bertille St. Clair, and former chief administrator Allan Richards are among the other six icons.
Trevor James, the secretary of infrastructure, stated that it is critical to honor those who have influenced Tobagonians throughout the years. On October 23, he stated in a press statement, “Tobago does not only have a proud heritage but also a collection of legends that have made their marks on the international stage and psyche of what it means to be Tobagonian. We are a great people deserving of honour, and as an Executive and citizenry, we owe it to them to recollect, recognize and celebrate, as a joint expression of gratitude, and for younger ones to see and be inspired as well.”
It is scheduled to take place at the Scarborough Esplanade.
George foresaw a spectacular carnival season, which would conclude on October 27 with the procession of the bands, while the carnival celebrations got underway on October 23 with the Soca Titans tournament. He stated that hotels have informed him that occupancy is 100%.
“We’re also receiving reports of an increase in costume sales. I know there would be late persons trying to get onto the island, in that sphere, we are hoping that we receive the support that we asked for from both Caribbean Airlines and the Port Authority.”
The theme of this year’s festival, he added, is muck and revelry. He urged individuals who want to attend to make it unique while still putting safety first.
“We would have done our last safety checks on last week Friday which would have been a tabletop exercise. We would have been presented with many scenarios and how they would be solved.”
He stated, “We are saying to Tobago, have fun, have clean fun and know that the background work would have been done so as to ensure that we have a very safe and successful carnival. I am saying to each and every one, let us enjoy the festivities to the best of our ability, let us come out, let us make the best of it.”
He urged the guests to use the locations for pictures following the celebrations. He remarked, “enjoy the beauty of the island, enjoy the cuisine of the island, the warmth of the people on the island and let’s make it the best as we take this step in continuing to make Tobago the greatest little island on the planet.”
