BY PETER GREEN
It is the day after Independence Day with all the pomp and pageantry. After the successes of the day, I am looking for those detractors who were opposed to the temporary relocation of the Independence Day parade.
The parade was moved from the traditional space in front of the Grand Stand. Why? The North Stand was not dismantled after Carnival 2026. The National Carnival Commission (NCC) saved millions in leaving the North Stand up. The Parade was then shifted to the opposite to President’s House. The Parade went off with precision on the Savannah Grass. So on the day after, I am looking for Stuart Young, Gary Aboud, and Denise Demming. They were the detractors, completely against the parade taking place on the Savannah Grass. Let’s start with Gary Aboud, from Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS). He condemned ongoing construction works at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
He warned that temporary enhancements for Independence Day celebrations could lead to the permanent degradation of the capital’s most vital green space.
FFOS questioned the lack of transparency, asking who authorized the project and demanding to see the plans, costs, and any environmental or heritage assessments.
Denise Demming:
“I ask directly: who authorized this paving, under what statutory approval, and why is there no notice on site identifying the responsible party? If this work is lawful, there should be nothing to hide. If it isn’t, citizens deserve to know that too.”
Stuart Young:
The Opposition MP questioned the structure, heavy equipment and possible paving works near President’s House
He demanded urgent answers from the Government over construction activity taking place at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Young said he was surprised to observe what appears to be a significant structure being erected opposite President’s House, alongside piles of aggregate and a steamroller.
The former government minister questioned the purpose of the works, who authorized them and whether portions of the Savannah are being prepared for paving.
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) said there were no breaches.
So to the detractors, there was no PAVING. The Savannah has been preserved. There has been no destruction of the Savannah. All temporary construction will be removed this week by the contractor. So move on to your next topic.
I was pleased to see that Opposition Leader, Penny Beckles-Robinson and her husband accepted the invitation of the Minister of Defence and attend the parade. So too was the Mayor of Port-of-Spain, Alderman Chinua Alleyne.
The Government was well attended – from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC down. I even noticed former President Anthony Carmona in the VIP area at the Savannah. He had not been on the list of invitees since leaving office in 2018.
But one noticeable absentee was First Gentleman, Kerwyn Garcia SC. He didn’t make it to the Savannah Grass. No explanation was given for his absence, but his wife, President Christine Garcia, looked radiant in her red on top of the Regiment jeep.
Accompanied by members of the Police Mounted Branch, Kangaloo, inspected the parade before later attending the Toast of the Nation at NAPA where she addressed the guests.
After the Savannah Grass parade, Chief of Defence Staff, Don Polo, led the troops to the St James Barracks. Thousands lined the route to see the parade. And they were not disappointed. After the absence of the parade in 2025 due to security concerns, the public did not miss out this year. Not forgetting the many vendors who made up for last year.
The weather was perfect for the occasion, although it was not kind to the CPL and the Trinbago Knight Riders who lost again.
