Senior Political Reporter
There will be a new location for the return of the Independence Day Parade on August 31.
This year’s parade will be in a new northerly location in the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain—facing President’s House—instead of at the Grand Stand, on the savannah’s southerly side.
President Christine Kangaloo will therefore be receiving the Independence Day salute from the armed forces closer to President’s House.
This was confirmed yesterday by Government officials, as well as United National Congress shadow MP for Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West Phillip Alexander.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge had confirmed in the June Mid-year Budget Review that the parade—launching celebrations of T&T’s 64th anniversary of Independence—would be held.
Sturge’s confirmation put to rest speculation that the annual military and cultural showcase may not have been held. There was no parade last year, as T&T was under a State of Emergency due to a threat to law enforcement, judicial and state officials. Government stated then that the parade and state-sponsored fireworks were cancelled to protect top state officials from attack.
The upcoming event will be the first Independence Day Parade for the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led United National Congress (UNC) administration, which was elected in April 2025.
The parade of the armed forces had traditionally been held at the Queen’s Park Savannah—and at the Grand Stand—since T&T achieved Independence in 1962, according to the National Archives.
Uniformed military detachments normally paraded before the Grand Stand, presenting themselves at attention to salute the President, who is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces. Guests, government, opposition, diplomatic corps and other people were usually seated in the Grand Stand.
Yesterday, Government officials and PoS North shadow MP Alexander confirmed the parade’s new location after queries by Opposition People’s National Movement MP for Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West Stuart Young.
Querying work taking place in the Savannah opposite President’s House, Young said on Facebook, “I was surprised to see what appears to be a significant structure being erected opposite the President’s House in the Queen’s Park Savannah along with piles of aggregate and a steam roller.
“I’m asking the Kamla Persad-Bissessar Government what is being erected here and what paving, if any, is proposed to take place in the ‘Savannah’? Is this related to a scaled-down Independence Day Parade?”
Young added, “Who is erecting this structure and for what? Is paving proposed, if so, why and for what? The green spaces in our beloved Savannah should not be destroyed and desecrated. What is taking place?”
It was later confirmed by several Government officials that the work is indeed related to a venue for the Independence Day event. They assured that the new area will have space for members of the public who usually attend the event.
Security sector members also assured (as did Government officials) that the armed forces’ usual parade route, after the early morning formalities, will be staged as in previous parades.
Units with equipment displays plus mounted and motorcycle members had always made their way from the Savannah into Woodbrook along Tragarete Road to the Police Barracks, St James, following past parades. Spectators have always lined the route, cheering troops.
Government officials said fireworks are also expected on Independence night—but didn’t say where. The administration passed a law in 2025 regulating firework use via permits. Exemptions were given: between 8-9 pm on public holidays and 11.30–12.30 am on December 31. Fireworks won’t be allowed near zoos, seniors’ homes and other locations.
$$$ saver reason
UNC shadow MP for PoS North, Alexander, said from what he understands, the change of venue for the parade was due to the fact that the North Stand (opposite the Grand Stand) was still up, which means it is in the position where troops would have to congregate if it were held there.
Alexander said, “Removing the parade to the northern side of the savannah will save millions which would have ordinarily been spent on dismantling/removing the North Stand to accommodate the parade. It’s also being relocated to a more picturesque space with the surrounding ambience of the Botanic Gardens, proximity to President’s House and more shade for spectators,” he said.
Alexander assured accommodation is being made for spectators.
“Of course! The parade is for the spectators most of all, so there’ll be some shade. It’s very hot. Residents from Belmont, Cascade, St Ann’s, Port-of-Spain will be able to come and enjoy the event.”
He couldn’t say if the new location will be a permanent one.
Alexander didn’t give project costs. In the June mid-year review when Sturge announced the parade would occur, he’d sought approval for a $2.3 million allocation to fund the celebrations.
Sturge didn’t immediately answer questions on costs yesterday, nor did Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram (under whose Ministry the Savannah falls) or Works Minister Jearlean John.
UNC MPs had “blanked” Independence Day Parade events held under the PNM’s tenure until 2024, when some UNC officials attended.
The full UNC cabinet headed by the Prime Minister is expected to attend the event at the new location.
