Celebrating happiness through song

Happiness and well-being will be a focus for countless people and communities around the world today. This is because the UN has declared today as the “International Day of Happiness.” Starting this year, the event will be celebrated annually on March 20. In a message just released by the UN, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: “On this first International Day of Happiness, let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.”

This special day is being recognised and celebrated in many ways throughout the world. One initiative in T&T has been undertaken by Arts Alive Tobago, which will host free public performances of their show called Pure Joy. The show received huge ovations from the audience in Tobago last Saturday and will be performed again, free to the public, this Saturday at Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne, Port-of-Spain, from 8.30 pm.  

Close to 30 performers in three groups will feature at the event. They include the Tobago Jubilation Multi-Faith Choir, the Jubilation Women’s Ensemble and members of the Arts Alive Tobago Children’s Performing Company. MC for the event will be William J. Carter, former principal of Queen’s Royal College. Barton Clarke, resident coordinator of the UN in T&T, will also be on hand to speak about this event.  

Arts Alive Director Anne-Marie Baksh-Brimacombe said hosting the show on the Saturdays before and after the official International Day of Happiness will allow more people on both islands to enjoy it. “The show presents keys to universal happiness through song, and is suitable for all ages. And, the fact that it is free thanks to sponsorship (by MovieTowne and the Scotiabank Foundation) should also help put a smile on people’s faces,” Brimacombe said.