A grand affair for Tobago Day 2024

LIKE most diaspora organisations, the Tobago Empowerment & Alliance Mission (TEAM) is about giving back.

But it is also about celebrating and showcasing the culture and beauty of the island and its people.

The non-profit organisation, based in Brooklyn, New York, US, is preparing for Tobago Day, its flagship social event, on August 18.

This year, Tobago Day takes place at Nazareth Hall, Lot 475 E 57th Street, Brooklyn, and organisers are promising a grand affair.

TEAM’s president Astrid Benjamin, who has been at the helm of the organisation since December 2023, told Newsday the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is playing a pivotal role in this year’s celebration.

“This year, the THA is putting together a contingent – a cast of dancers, some people who were part of the heritage festival and people who have products, like blue food and other items, they feel they can share with the diaspora,” she said, adding that plans are still being finalised.

TEAM’s public relations officer Angela Cooper is overseeing this year’s programme.

Tobago Day, which is held on the third Sunday in August, usually begins with a brief formal segment, featuring remarks from the president and representatives from the TT Consulate and THA.

The day’s activities include sports and entertainment. Patrons can also enjoy a variety of indigenous foods, such as crab and dumplings, roast fish, breadfruit oil down (yabba) and many other delicacies.

In the meantime, Benjamin said there is much hype about the event.

In a video, veteran calypsonian, Mc Cartha Sandy-Lewis (Calypso Rose), gave a Tobago Day shout-out.

Rose, who comes from Bethel, said many people do not know that she “passed through depression and starvation to be where I am in my profession.

“So Tobago, I am thankful. For you, I will never be ungrateful. I say thanks, thanks, thanks,” she sang.

Rose said she would be there and urged other to support the venture.

In the past, Lord Nelson (Robert Nelson) has also performed at the popular event.

Several young Tobago entrepreneurs are also expected to travel to New York to promote their commodities there.

Benjamin, who is originally from Signal Hill, migrated to the US more than two decades ago. She joined TEAM in 2017, two years after it started.

The organisation was established to promote positive social change by educating and empowering its people throughout the diaspora. TEAM also networks with Tobago-based groups on a range of projects and initiatives. Its motto is, Let’s Make A Difference.

Benjamin said in its nine years, the organisation has grown from strength to strength despite some challenges.

“It was established because we wanted to do something for Tobago and Tobagonians on a whole, because we realised that so many of us migrate here and are not going back, for whatever reason. So we decided to put this organisation together to be able to step up in different ways to assist Tobagonians, both in Tobago and here that we are aware of.”

But she said TEAM has had several previous incarnations, dating back to the 1980s.

“You always have groups forming and falling apart – some people can’t get along or some people want to control so things tend to always fall apart.”

She said in 2015 a group of Tobagonians decided to form another organisation, which they called the Tobago Empowerment & Alliance Mission.

Benjamin, who first served as acting president before being elected last December, said TEAM currently has about 25 active members and others who participate from time to time, depending on the nature of the event.

But she said groups such as the alliance are important in not just building camaraderie among one’s fellows but also in assisting to develop the island and its citizens along a particular path.

“When we leave home (Tobago), we find ourselves in positions where we could give back not only to Tobagonians here (New York) but at home.”

Benjamin said over the years, the alliance has been quite active and is always on the lookout for avenues to assist.

During the covid19 pandemic, the alliance donated laptops to schools through the THA. In December 2023, it partnered with a well-known supermarket in Scarborough to distribute vouchers for food to needy families.

“I think the exchange rate for the US and TT dollar goes a long way. You could help a lot of families. We always ask people, if you know somebody in need, call and let us know. If you don’t call us, we don’t know and that is why we raise all these funds.”

In the aftermath of the February 7 oil spill, which affected communities along Tobago’s southwestern peninsula, the organisation also donated coveralls, masks, gloves and many other items to the Tobago Emergency Management Agency to assist with rehabilitation.

“I think it is very important that we have these types of organisations in place and that we try and work as closely as possible with the THA and other Tobago-based organisations.”