Arima fest honours First Peoples

Arima Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian says it is a pleasure for the borough to once again laud the First Peoples by dedicating this year’s celebration to them under the theme, First Peoples First! A press release from the Arima Borough stated that the fest began yesterday and ends on August 31, which flows seamlessly into the borough’s Independence Day celebrations. Mayor Morris-Julian assured that Arima Fest promises to be spectacular with excellent additions to flavour staple events.

Celebrations kicked off yesterday with a Bird Fest at the Arima Velodrome which began 7 am. Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan is expected to join the Arima Borough Council and dozens of business men and women for breakfast at Arima Town Hall at 7.30 am today. Newly installed members of the Arima Business Association and corporate citizens shared in local cuisine including cassava bread from the First Peoples.

While the nation observes Emancipation Day tomorrow, the Borough Council and others will join the First Peoples at Calvary Hill for the launch of the Santa Rosa Festival with the canon blast ceremony.

It is hailed as a main cultural event during the Arima Fest period as it remains one of the distinct features of the borough.

Minister of Local Government Kazim Hosein is expected to address registrants for the Arima Volunteer Network at its launch on August 5 from 9 am at the car park of the Arima Borough Corporation (opposite First Citizens Bank, Hollis Avenue).

The launch will coincide with a Day of Care which, Councillor for Tumpuna Brennon Patterson says, will set the tone for the spirit of volunteerism which the network will foster in the borough.

Councillor Patterson adds that lawyers, dentists, doctors and many non-governmental organizations have volunteered their services for the Day of Care to ensure that persons who need care can access it.

The Church of the Holy Spirit (Malabar RC) will be the site of the Thanksgiving Service which is expected to begin at 8.30 am on August 6.

Following the service, Lieutenant Commander of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard Kele-Ann Bourne is expected to lead the much anticipated military parade from the Arima Velodrome at 10.30 am. Inspector of the Arima Municipal Police Erica Prieto says 75 per cent of the 18 detachments in the parade will be female. She says this is a fitting tribute to Lieutenant Commander Bourne who has returned in her official capacity.

The untimely passing of entertainer Devon Matthews was an extremely great loss for the borough and plans are afoot to keep his memory alive. During last Wednesday’s Statutory Meeting, the Arima Borough Council announced that Mr. Matthews will be honoured at the Arima Borough Corporation’s Civic Reception on August 9 at Legacy Hall from 6 pm.

Other outstanding individuals in the borough have been nominated and will receive one of several awards including the Youth Award, Cultural Award, Community Service Award, Community Business Award, Community Educator Award, Community Sports Award, Public Service Award and the Lifetime of Leadership Award.

The August 10 Vintage Kaiso Fest, in conjunction with the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation, features a special show -A Tribute to Three - in which the late Calypsonian Samuel “Brigo” Abraham, cricket legend Prince Bartholomew and former National Scout Commissioner Ray Watkins will be honoured through song.

The show is carded to begin at 7.30 pm at the Arima Basketball Court.

The Fest culminates on August 12 at the parade of bands for Arima Borough Day.

This year, the route will take a different course as all bands are expected to parade around the Princess Royal Park. Registration for bands is free and it closes on August 10.