By BOB KAPPSTATTER
With a large number of Bronx residents claiming their roots in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago – including herself – Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson held a flag-raising ceremony recently at Borough Hall to commemorate 60 years of the twin-island country’s independence from British rule.
Gibson was joined by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Consul Mary Tang Yew, and community activist and mistress of ceremonies Hazra Ali.
The nation, situated off the northern edge of the South American mainland and roughly 7 miles from Venezuela, has a population of 1.5 million. According to the latest U.S. Census, close to 308,000 reside in the United States, with many of them in Brooklyn and Nassau County, while several thousand live in the Bronx, mostly in the northern communities of Williamsbridge and Wakefield.
“As the daughter of a proud Trinidadian man, I share this rich heritage with thousands of others across this city who in this inaugural celebration can join us to recognize the culture, heritage, food, and countless contributions made each day by those who hail from Trinidad and Tobago across this city and our borough,” Gibson told a crowd outside Borough Hall at the Aug. 30. event.
“I commend Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and her staff for putting together an event to acknowledge and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago, and just as the Borough President said, I too look forward to many more celebrations to come,” said Ali.
“The Consul General acknowledges that having come from the throes of a pandemic we must reflect on ways to turn adversity into a shared purpose,” said Yew, who represented Consul General J. Andre Laveau. “Indeed, we are thankful and thriving and we must always continue to celebrate our triumphs, even despite these challenges, as together we aspire, together we achieve. And in this vein, we are Together 60!”
During the ceremony, entertainment was provided by Artist Ricardo Jerome who performed the National Anthem for Trinidad and Tobago, Professional Dancer, Abha Roy from the Srijan Dance Center and Vocalist Diane Arroya who sang the U.S. National Anthem.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson (second from right) is joined by community and Consulate of Trinidad and Tobago officials for flag-raising ceremony at Borough Hall to celebrate island nation’s 60th anniversary of independence from British rule.
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