Alfred tells Tobagonians — remember AIDS threat

Alfred was delivering the official address to open the four-day festival at the Old Market Square in Tobago.

She began her address by stating that one million soldiers were needed to fight AIDS.

Earlier in the formal programme Assemblyman Wendell Berkeley, Assistant Secretary of Community Development and Culture, spoke of the challenges that Tobago Fest brought with it, but he noted that they have since been successful with the planning and execution of the event.

Evoking the most entertainment on the programme packed with indigenous Tobagonian culture was the Plymouth Warriors Speech Band, backed by the Royal Sweet Fingers Tambrin Band.

The speeches covered topics such as Jack Warner and his quest for a UNC position, the granny who sat on the bandit, and Basdeo Panday in jail.

Other acts included a splendid display of limbo dancing by Aquisia Fredericks and Susan Franklyn, which brought back memories of the late Jean Coggins, midnight robber Javon Thompson, National Calypso Monarch finalist Leslie Ann-Ellis, and the Euphonic Sounds Steel Orchestra which had the Trinidadian contingent of the National Carnival Bandleaders Association members displaying their sailor dancing skills.

A parade with traditional mas characters then left the square for Main Street in Scarborough, on to Castries and Carrington Streets before turning at Bar Code and heading back to the square.

However, one of the three music trucks had to be pulled off the route as it had not been properly licensed.