JENSEN LA VENDE
Senior Reporter
This year’s Independence Day fireworks display will be completely silent, but officials promise the cultural celebrations leading up to it will be loud, vibrant and patriotic.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Ministry of Culture and Community Development communications strategist Jerome Lewis assured the public that the fireworks displays in both Port-of-Spain and San Fernando would be using silent pyrotechnics.
“We’re going to have choreographed pyrotechnics and a major fireworks display. And yes, we will be presenting silent fireworks to reduce the loud bangs and the impact on pets and people who may live nearby. All of this will be coordinated with the relevant aviation, fire, security and regulatory authorities,” Lewis said.
His confirmation comes two weeks after Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said the display would feature a combination of traditional and silent fireworks, along with a drone show.
In addition to the drone presentation, spectators will be treated to two major cultural events: a procession along the parade route and a cultural showcase later in the afternoon at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
“Following the military component of the parade, the ministry will be engaging a cultural procession. This will start at the Queen’s Hall car park and proceed to the St Ann’s roundabout, where it will enter the parade route. Along that route, you’re going to have two decorated music trucks, a dedicated steel orchestra, traditional Carnival characters, tassa musicians, drummers, rhythm performers, dancers and other cultural practitioners,” Lewis explained.
He said people who miss the parade will have another opportunity to experience the cultural presentations before the fireworks display, via a”Kids Zone” at the Queen’s Park Savannah from 5 pm.
“At that zone, there will be recreational activities, traditional Carnival characters and a lot of youth-oriented cultural entertainment. One hour later, the Independence Day cultural showcase will begin. There you’re going to have steelpan, calypso, soca, chutney, tassa, folk and theatrical presentations,” he said.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “One Service; One People; One Story.” Lewis said the cultural showcase will pay tribute to generations of artistes and cultural practitioners who have preserved and promoted the nation’s traditions.
Asked about the cost of the celebrations and the contractors selected for the drone and silent fireworks displays, Lewis said he did not have that information.
Two weeks ago, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin said the procurement process was still underway, with quotations being sought from local providers and submissions under evaluation.
This year’s Independence Day parade has been relocated north of the North Stand and Grand Stand area, closer to President’s House. All other activities will remain in the traditional North Stand and Grand Stand section of the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Because of the relocation of the parade square, however, the military parade will follow a slightly modified route, according to Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo.
“When the troops leave the Savannah for the route march, they will traverse the eastern side of the Queen’s Park Savannah, heading to the top of Frederick Street. From the top of Frederick Street, they will proceed along Frederick Street and then turn right onto Park Street,” Polo said.
He noted that the remainder of the route, including sections along Tragarete Road and Long Circular Road, would remain unchanged.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin assured the public that comprehensive security measures would be in place but declined to provide operational details. She also confirmed that additional precautions had been implemented to protect the Prime Minister and Government officials who have received threats.
With a T20 cricket match also scheduled for Independence Day, Western Division head, ACP Garvin Henry, advised patrons to park responsibly. He said wreckers would be operating throughout the day and said there would be no designated parking for any of the events, as parking at the Queen’s Park Savannah would be prohibited for the entire day. Park-and-ride arrangements, he said, are still being finalised.
