Photos By Damian B.
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As I walked down Haymarket in the heart of London, I thought I was dreaming as I heard the melodic sweet tones of steel pan in the distance. It was about 7:30PM, and the city was still bustling with life. It was a very cold evening and it had been raining earlier, so I though to myself, “that’s got to be somebody’s car music system.” As I slowly approached the Sports Café bar and restaurant, I realized it was the harmonious sounds of my county’s national instrument. There was a crowd stood listening, and amongst them were a number of Europeans who were passing by and had stopped to marvel and enjoy the music. To bring an even warmer feeling to those shopping in London’s exclusive West End, a colourfully Moko Jumbie was dancing and showing off his special moves to the music. This was the intro to, “A Trinbago Winter – World Travel Market Party,” hosted by the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

In a bid to increase the number of United Kingdom/European stay-over visitors to Trinidad and Tobago, the Tourism Minister Joseph Ross lead a delegation to London for the World Travel Market (WTM). WTM is the premier business forum for the global travel industry attracting the participation of over 200 countries. “A Trinibago Winter” was a red carpet reception for the official ministry visitors from Trinidad & Tobago, the London Trinidad and Tobago Embassy and Trini nationals living in London.

When I entered the Sports Cafe, it was clear that it had been set of into 4 different zones. Each area represented an important festival in Trinidad and Tobago or a particular place and the decorations were reminiscent of Trinbago Christmas, Carnival and Diviali. Delicacies from all festivals were displayed and available to sample, in addition to the Carnival costumed individuals, traditional dress and craft specifically found in Tobago which were on display. Thinking of it deeply, the festivals mentioned are all held in the winter months for those living in the temperate northern countries. I made sure to sample food from each area and was particularly fond of the pulorie with the sweet mango sauce, but the pastille and black cake did not disappoint either. As complimentary dinner was served to the VIP in attendance, Crab and Dumpling was served as a sampler of what Tobago is synonymous for. A sure treat to the foreigners who were in attendance, visibly impressed by the way they cleaned their plates and returned for more servings.

In attendance at the event was the world record holding batsman, Brian Lara; he was the the guest of honour. It was an excellent opportunity for many to meet Brian up close, as an ambassador for the twin island country he did his celebrity duties, posing for pictures and signing autographs for all who approached him. The night was a great opportunity for Trini Londoner's to meet and mingle with the visiting TDC and Tourism Ministry officials. Minister Ross could be seen walking around and conversing with patrons, young and old, getting their ideas on ways to enhance tourism to the T&T islands, and also how to make the lives of Trini's living in London, whether it be for temporary work or education, better. Also in attendance was Derrick Lewis of ISLANDpeople promotions, no doubt looking for ways to improve tourist participation in Trini Carnival.

Other prominent people in attendance were:

• Deputy High Commissioner Jamaica - Mrs. Sharon Saunders
• Public Affairs and Cultural Attache (Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, London) - Mr. Ashton Ford
• President of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) - Mr. Earnest Littles
• Chairman of the TDC Board - Mr. Brian Awong
• Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism - Ms. Melba Dedier
• Permanent Secretary - Mr. Terrence Henry
• Marketing Manager (TDC) - Mr. Jason Baptiste

Assistance for the event to take place was given by Next Level PoisonUK, the entertainment company that provides many of the larger Trini concerts in the UK and ensures Soca is alive and strong in London. The band leader Wendel Clement kept a watchfully eye on the proceedings ensure all was going well.

The occasion was a well put together event as a climax to the end of the World Travel Market. After I had a couple bottles of Carib, and of course a few Rum and Coke, I fling a couple moves on the dance floor as the night ended in Trini style with a sweet Soca jam session. Nobody would have thought it was a ‘school night’. DJ Markee and Martin Jay heated up the dance floor. The time was 12 midnight and the place was pack with folks dancing and having fun. As for me, I reluctantly left to catch the last train home, if I didn’t make that.. who knows what time I would have reached meh yard!

Benji for the TJJ fam