Crab and goat race in Buccoo

Pilgrim made the comments as he addressed the formal opening of the 86th edition of the Buccoo Crab and Goat Race Festival on "Easter Tuesday", which is an unofficial public holiday in Tobago. Pilgrim encouraged all concerned to “get on board.” He advised, “We need all hands on deck; keep focused, stay together."

THA Chief Secretary Orville London noted the event had evolved beyond a country or even a regional event. “This is a truly international event; this is in fact an economic activity; it is also a special time for us in Tobago,” London said.

Activities got underway with a street parade through the village, followed by a cultural programme and a brief formal ceremony, before the action heated up on the goat race track. Throughout the district, a harvest-style ambience prevailed as people trekked to various homes to sample the array of local delicacies on offer. The goat races were interspersed with cultural events much to the delight of the large crowd on hand. The day’s activities ended with a giant street party at sundown.