The new executive of the National Parang Association of T&T (NPATT) has begun the process of enhancing and the re-launching of the parang competition for 2014. Elected in March, they are working towards ensuring that patrons experience the same safe, exciting and enjoyable parang festival they have always done.
Having inherited what they term "serious debts," NPATT is seriously working towards settling its outstanding bills.
A boat cruise on the Point Loma was held on Easter Sunday to raise funds. The membership of the NPATT came out in their numbers with friends and families.
Parranderos serenaded each other at the Breakfast Shed while they waited to board the Point Loma; 250 people attended. Another cruise closer to Christmas is also being organised.
The executive started the process to revive the parang culture by launching the Friday Night Parang Lime at NPATT Headquarters, Hollis Avenue, Arima on May 30.
The bands featured at the lime were Los Alumnos de San Juan, La Familia de Carmona y Amigos, Cieltos Jovenes, Adonis and friends and La Siembra del Cantor (Venezuelan group).
The second Friday Night Parang Lime is on tomorrow at the same venue.
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The newly-elected officers
Kelvin Wharwood (Los Ruisenores)–President
Larry Denalli (Mucho Tempo)–Vice President
Arlene LaVaughn Joseph (Mucho Tempo)–Secretary
Phillip Salazar (Los Pastores)–Treasurer
Curtis McDonald (Renacer)–Trustee
Marcelvia Fitzwilliam-Carmona, (La Familia de Carmona y Amigos)–Trustee
Michael Lezama (San Jose Serrenaders)–Public Relations Officer
Jason Ganpat (Los Buenos Parranderos)–Youth Officer
Derron Francois (Los Cieltos Jovenes)–Assistant Secretary
Marcia Didier (Amantes de La Musica)–Committee Member
William Calliste (La Bendicion)–Committee Member
Garry Subero (Cosa Nueva)–Committee Member
Sebastian Subero (Los Ninos de Subero)–Committee Member
Venues and dates for 2014 Parang festival
September 27, Parang pre launch North–Queen's Hall, in collaboration with the Patrons of Queen's Hall.
October 4–Parang launch–East, Arima Tennis Club;
October 11–Parang launch–South, Palo Seco Sports Club;
October 18–Simplex Complex, New Grant;
October 25–Tribute to Icons, Tabaquite Secondary School;
November 1–Junior parang semi-finals, Preysal Secondary School;
November 2–Junior parang semi finals, Preysal Secondary School;
November 8–Maracas Valley Community Centre;
November 15–San Rafael Parish Hall;
November 22–Junior parang finals, Preysal Secondary School;
November 23–Junior parang finals, Preysal Secondary School;
November 29–Competition semi finals, Lopinot Basketball Court, Lopinot;
December 6–Champs in Concert, Tobago;
December 13–Competition finals, Arima Tennis Club;
January 4, 2015, Los Reyes–Venue to be confirmed.