St James, ‘The city that never sleeps’

THE EDITOR: St James, “The City that never sleeps”, came to life on the evening of Friday May 30, (Indian Arrival Day) with the start of the “WeBeat” Festival 2003. This year the honouree was Julia Edwards the great dame of dance. What an exciting evening it was, the theme for the opening night was “The Merging of Cultures,” and what a merging it was. The steelpan, dance, drama, song, theatre, all formed part of the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Patrick Manning gave the feature address to a full and appreciative amphitheatre audience (even the bleachers were full).

Present among the dignitaries, Mrs Hazel Manning (wife of the Prime Minister); Mrs Joan Yuille-Williams, Community Development Minister; Ms Pennelope Beckles, Culture Minister; the Mayor of Port-of-Spain, His Worship and Mrs Brown, other noted guests were Mrs Helen Humphrey Brother Noble Khan and Mrs Khan, representatives of various companies; and sponsors, Mr Earl Crosby, President of the St James Committee who staged “WeBeat.” The audience was treated to a variety of local and cultural entertainment, I am sure the patrons left the amphitheatre satisfied. “WeBeat” continues until June 07, with a grand steelband parade through the streets of St James, through the Western Main Road. I will urge, not only residents of St James to support this nine day extravaganza, but all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Wishing Mr Earl Crosby and the St James CIC all the best, and hoping next year’s celebrations will be bigger and brighter.

KEN SMITH
Woodbrook