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TOBAGO House of Assembly (THA) Minority Leader Kelvon Morris is urging the government to reconsider its decision to cancel the annual Independence Day Parade.
In a statement on August 15, the government announced that the event – the 63rd anniversary of TT’s Independence – will instead be celebrated as a Day of Prayer and Reflection.
On August 16, a statement from the Office of the Chief Secretary confirmed that there will be no parade for Independence Day in Tobago in keeping with the government's decision to cancel the event based on advise from national security intelligence agencies during the state of emergency.
The statement said Chief Secretary Farley Augustine will announce Tobago's plans for observing the national day of prayer and reflection.
Citing national security concerns amid the ongoing state of emergency for its decision, the government also has imposed a ban on public fireworks displays but said silent fireworks will be allowed for private displays.
But in a release on August 16, Morris expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the parade.
“The Independence Day Parade is far more than a spectacle. It is a cherished symbol of national pride that unites us across race, creed, class,” he said.
“While we respect the value of a Day of Prayer, such an observance can be held on any other day without displacing this central tradition.”
The Darrel Spring/Whim assemblyman said he does not object to the administration’s stance on fireworks, “which has always been a subject of public debate.
“However, the parade remains the heart of our Independence Day celebrations and its cancellation is a disservice to the many citizens who were eagerly anticipating it.”
In Tobago, the parade, which features various detachments of the armed and unarmed forces, takes place at the Parade Ground of the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet.
In his statement, Morris also raised concerns about what he described as “contradictory reasoning” behind the cancellation.
“On one hand the public is told that the nation is safe and that freedoms remain secure. On the other hand, a tradition that embodies those very freedoms is being eroded.
This inconsistency undermines confidence and sends the wrong message to our people.”
He repeated his call for the government to reverse its decision.
“We must preserve the Independence Day Parade as the proud national tradition it has always been.”
Sewa welcomes
silent fireworks
The non-profit organisation, Sewa International TT, meanwhile, welcomed the government’s decision to grant licences only for silent fireworks on Independence Day. “Sewa International TT expresses its deep and sincere appreciation to the government of TT for the decision to grant licenses only for silent fireworks this Independence Day,” the organisation said in a statement on August 16.
“This policy is a significant step forward and aligns with the growing consciousness to the people of TT regarding noise pollution and its effects on pets, wild animals, the elderly and young persons.”
Sewa TT said it has long advocated for a policy of silent fireworks and believes that “this is an evolution that recognises the need to protect vulnerable persons, pets and communities from the harmful effects of loud pyrotechnics.”
It added, “We acknowledge that some considerations may be made for fireworks already in the country but we view this policy shift as a positive and welcome development.
“This move echoes the visionary leadership of the late senator Deoroop R Teemal, who, in his first year as president of the National Council of Indian Culture, ended the loud fireworks display at the NCIC Nagar.”
Sewa TT said Teemal’s foresight and commitment to a more peaceful environment set a precedent that is now being embraced on a national level.
“Sewa TT wholeheartedly thanks the government for this policy shift and hopes it will be extended to other national celebrations, including Divali and New Year’s Eve."
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