On August 30, a vibrant gathering took place outside City Hall in Port of Spain as the People’s National Movement (PNM) celebrated Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming 63rd Independence anniversary with a cultural showcase titled “For the Love of Liberty.” The event featured a rich tapestry of performances that highlighted the nation’s cultural diversity, including music, dance, spoken word, and steelpan.
The evening, guided by Diego Martin West MP Hans Des Vignes, included contributions from the Liberty Chorale, an African dance piece, and a youth calypso by Merkida Bentham. Additionally, the Shiv Shakti Dance Group showcased East Indian dance, while Marva Newton delivered a calypso medley. The performances culminated in a vibrant steelpan segment by Allan Cardinal and a gospelypso medley from Sean Daniel, interspersed with spoken word by Zakiya Gill that invoked Dr. Eric Williams’ address on Independence Day in 1962. A flag procession around Woodford Square added a poignant touch before the West Side Steel Orchestra provided a rousing finale.
Attendees included notable party officials such as PNM vice-chair Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, MP Marvin Gonzales, and Senator Amery Browne. Organizers emphasized that the evening was designed as an educational, family-oriented reflection on the significance of Independence rather than a festive occasion.
In her message delivered after the cultural segment, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles expressed her regrets about the absence of the traditional Independence parade this year. She urged the nation to confront ongoing challenges like crime, economic instability, and social inequality while invoking the resilience that has characterized Trinidad and Tobago’s history. Beckles called for unity, compassion, and a renewed commitment to service as guiding principles for the future.
As the country approaches its 63rd Independence anniversary on August 31, events like “For the Love of Liberty” serve to carry the symbolic weight of the celebration, especially in a year marked by a state of emergency and a focus on prayer and reflection.
