The SIS experiences Lopinot day

SIS Director, Dr Sharon-Ann Gopaul-McNicol then explained exactly what the SIS is about and took the opportunity to highlight some of its achievements to date. Among these, she indicated that more than 90 percent of Government ministries have begun a Spanish language programme, a series of free Spanish community classes via a Spanish language acquisition programme, was launched to the general public in July 2005, and a children’s instructional programme is aired on radio I95.5 fm, three times a week.

Following this, Dike Noel, resear-cher, explained to guests that as Lopinot forms an essential part of the country’s rich cultural fabric and is celebrating its two hundredth anniversary this year, it was selected as the starting point in the SIS’ research project into historic, locally-based Spanish communities. He added, that the presentation of bilingual signs to the community centre, the school and the church, emphasises the SIS’ commitment to fostering a greater awareness of Trinidad and Tobago’s Spanish legacy in an attempt to preserve it. Noel also explained that bilingual signage is essential to the creation of an immersion environment in our country, which is critical to the acquisition of a first foreign language.

SIS assistant director, Dr Keith Lequay was then invited to present the bilingual welcome signs to the specially invited guests. Mr Andrew Salina, president of the Lopinot/La Pastora Village Council accepted the sign on behalf of the Lopinot Community Centre and expressed his gratitude to the SIS. Upon receiving the sign for the La Veronica RC School, the principal, Brenda Salina, informed SIS staff of the ways the school maintains its Hispanic heritage — participating in the annual schools’ parang competition, and teaching traditional Spanish dances like the “joropo” and “Castillian waltz”. She also pointed out that the sign came at an opportune moment, as the school is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this year and was in need of a sign. The parish priest, Father Peter De La Bastide received the sign for the La Veronica RC Church, which did not have one prior to this presentation.

After the vote of thanks, guests and staff members were treated to live parang music by members of the Guerrero family, as they dined on a delicious meal prepared with a Hispanic flair, at Caf? Mariposa. The afternoon period allowed the staff of the Secretariat, many of whom had never been to Lopinot, to experience the natural beauty of the village. Arthur Guerrero, a native of Lopinot, led staff on a tour of the village, which included a visit to the famous Martin Gomez cave, the Compte de Lopinot Historical Complex, the La Veronica Church, a mini hike and a walk through the cocoa.

Discover and Experience Lopinot Day proved to be quite successful and the SIS envisages the research conducted on Lopinot prior to the day, will be the first of several research projects in other communities around the country.