Farley wants goat racing year-round in Tobago

THE Tobago House of Assembly presented cheques to members of the Tobago Goat Race Owners’ Association on April 22 as a gesture of its commitment to ensuring that the popular activity is held not just during Easter but throughout the year.

Making the presentation during his address at the 97th edition of the Buccoo Goat and Crab Race Festival at the Buccoo Integrated Facility, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine told spectators, “We have been encouraging goat racers to actually put on races outside of the designated period in Easter because we want them to start racing all year round and the THA has committed to providing support.”

Among those receiving cheques were Anthony Clarke, Anthony Horsford, Rudolph James, Ricardo Roberts, Orlando Potts, Andre Thomas, Courtney Potts and Roy Hackett.

Augustine joked that members of the association visited his office regularly to ensure that the assembly followed through on its plan.

“This is from the THA, the beginning of our commitment that we will support them throughout the year because we want them to race at times other than just Easter time.”

In his address, Augustine praised the village for keeping the tradition of goat racing alive.

“The village has become creative with so little…. The lesson we must go away with today is that all we must do is use what is in our hands and what we have available to us. Sometimes God may not give us a whole lot, but once we use what we have well, God will multiply it.”

He continued, “Whatever God blesses us with, that we must use and use it well and multiply it. That is what makes Tobago beautiful and strong. We take whatever we have and we make the best out of it.”

Augustine said the annual Tobago Heritage Festival, one of the island’s signature cultural events, is an example of “taking so little and doing a whole lot with it.”

Such lessons, he believes, are even more relevant given the unpredictable global climate.

“As a country we find ourselves at a crossroads right now. We live in world where you wake up one morning and another country bigger than we are could tell us where we could drill for gas and oil and where we can’t drill.

“Another country bigger than we are can tell us, 'No, you can’t explore there; no, you can’t do any business there.'

“We could wake up one morning and magically tariffs are applied to us and it would appear as though we are entering difficult global financial times.”

Augustine recalled the country experienced similar uncertainty during the global economic crisis a decade ago.

“I am saying to all of us present, regardless of where you are in the world, be reminded from our humble goat race and crab race experience that whatever we have, we can make do and we can ensure not just our survival but our prosperity.”

Buccoo Village Council president Keigon Denoon said the festival is more than an event.

“It is a celebration of identity, a declaration of pride and a testament to our enduring spirit,” he said.

“What started with a rope, laughter and community now brings thousands together every year uniting us across generations, borders and beliefs.”

Denoon also paid tribute to those who passed on this legacy.

“This is Tobago’s gift to the world. This is a symbol of Caribbean creativity. This is a reminder that the smallest village can give birth to the greatest legacy.”

Buccoo/Mt Pleasant assemblyman Sonny Craig and also spoke.

Earlier, a colourful street parade heralded the start of the festival.

The parade, led by flagman David Nelson, included moko jumbies, African dancers, Buccooneers Steel Orchestra, Healing with Horses, costumed carnival characters and performers from a few of the island’s cultural groups.