Crowds line Port of Spain streets: An exceptional celebration of the nation

THE parade in commemoration of Trinidad and Tobago’s 62nd independence had several landmarks this year, including another anniversary and some firsts.

Starting at the Queen’s Park Savannah before heading into the streets of Port of Spain, the participants of the march-past started forming up on the parade square around 7.20 am.

The armed contingent were members of the TT Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Defence Force Reserves, Police Service and Cadet Force. The unarmed contingent were the TT Fire Service, prison service, Special Reserve Police, municipal police, traffic wardens, Military-Led Academic Training Programme, Civilian Conservation Corps, St John Ambulance Brigade, Red Cross Society, Scouts Association and Pentecostal Crusaders.

The announcers, retired lieut cmdr Kirk Jean-Baptiste and Major Grantley Dick of the TT Cadet Force, pointed out the Police Service's Paramilitary Youth Club marched in the parade for the first time this year.

Also for the first time, a female officer led the mounted escorts at the parade. Supt Bain-Keller led 16 horses, with officers dressed in ceremonial uniforms and carrying lances, to escort the President to and from her residence before and after the parade.

It was also noted that Chief of Defence Staff Darryl Daniel was the first person in the history of the Defence Force to hold the title of Air Vice Marshal, and that the  part of Savannah serving as the parade grounds was paved in 1999, making this year its 25th anniversary.

As usual, the highlights of the parade were the animals and vehicles.

The fly past was conducted by the Air Guard’s C-26 Metroliner aircraft and the National Helicopter Services Sikorsky S76D and the Agusta Westland AW139. Most of the contingents showed off their fleets, including gas tanks, trucks, vans, SUV, water appliances and more.

The Mounted Branch and the police K9 Unit displayed their skills for the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces President Christine Kangaloo, as she stood with Daniel in a vehicle specially designed for reviewing the troops.

Keiron Regis of Siparia said he had been to the parade at the Savannah several times and kept returning to celebrate the milestone with other Trinidadians and Tobagonians.

“It was an exceptional proceedings celebrating our nation’s history and the accomplishment of independence, and forging our own destiny going forward.”

Palo Seco resident Aniva Myers said it was her first time in the stands, as she usually viewed the parade on the streets of the city. She said it was a more sophisticated experience but enjoyed the parade in the savannah as it was well-organised and very child-friendly.

Her mother added the staff was very helpful and professional, but there needed to be more fans placed around the seating areas.

Phyllis Buchan told Newsday she was in the Junior Safety Brigade and marched in the first Independence Day parade in 1963. She said she watches the parade in the Savannah every year before meeting up with family and going to the beach.

She said the presentations were about the same every year but she had no objections to that. Her issue was the early hour spectators had to arrive to be made to stand for hours in the sun before they were allowed to enter the Savannah.

Her daughter, Vernice Buchan-Mansingh, was seated with her family from Cumuto, Wallerfield and Valencia, to the east of the Grand Stand. She said it “went well” but found the uniforms of the marchers less colourful than past years and said it was more difficult for the public to enter.

She added that Regiment and Coast Guard officers supported her elderly mother up and down the stairs, and she particularly enjoyed the mounted display and seeing a family member march in the display of colours.

“It gives you a sense of belonging. If made me feel good even though there’s so much negativity going on around us. It made me feel patriotic.”

However, first-time in-person spectator Andre Patrice, of El Socorro, expressed disappointment with the parade, saying he was underwhelmed. He said the only part he truly enjoyed was the K9 Unit, as the handlers demonstrated how well-trained the dogs’ were.

He said he would attend again, but if there was nothing new about the presentation, he would not return. But he would take any young family members as they would enjoy it.

After the march-past, most of the participants, including their horses and vehicles, made their way on to Frederick Street, along which people willingly lined up for hours, in the blazing sun at points, to watch the parade.

There was real joy and excitement on people’s faces as they patiently waited along Frederick and Park Streets and Tragarete Road. They cheered and applauded as the marchers passed, shouting out the names of the participants they knew. Most had both smartphones and national flags in hand as they took pictures and videos of the proceedings while waving the flags with pride.

The children got a special treat as, when asked, the officers often stopped along the route to take pictures with children or put them on or in the vehicles for parents to take pictures.

There was some disappointment from the spectators on Frederick Street as the appliance of the Fire Service did not spray the crowd with water as it had done in the past. But generally, people still seemed to enjoy the parade.

Joseph Bertrand of Arima said the parade was dear to him because he participated years ago as a cadet and wanted to continue to participate as a spectator. He also praised the fact the children were allowed to interact with the officers and their vehicles.

“It represents us as a people, being able to show off our Defence Force and detachments and so on, and really bring the country together in this kind of way to celebrate nationalism.”

Akeem Ford, eight, was excited he got to take photos with the “green motorbike people.” He also liked the marchers and said he wanted to return next year. His sister, Alisha Ford, 12, from Sangre Grande, said it was her second Independence Day Parade. She was glad to see her sister marching with the cadets, so she cheered for her and took pictures.

Khelise Williams, 11, from Curepe described this year’s parade was “amazing.”

“I like the marching and how it’s very organised. And how the fire truck wet us last time. I also love the drumming and the horses too. I’ll definitely come back next year.”