An event of historical significance will be held in St Joseph from 5 pm today. Staged by the First Capital Committee which is headed by Michael Valere, the function is a double-header: Lighting up of the George Earle Park and changing its name to the First Capital Park.
The occasion is being marked with a two-hour cultural extravaganza featuring three top parang groups, including Wayne and Charlene Flores, harpist David Singh, Latin and East Indian dancers. Bringing greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is Minister in the Officer of the Prime Minister Rodger Samuel, and also expected to attend is Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas.
The committee, which has been in existence for the past eight years, was formed to commemorate the fact that St Joseph was the original capital of Trinidad and its patron since then has been President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, whose private residence is situated in the district.
Valere, who up to late yesterday was supervising last-minute preparations at the venue assisted by committee executive members such as musical icon Mano Marcellin, insurance executive Jerry Emrit, parang administrator and performer Michael Lezama, businessman Ricardo Lidgerwood, told the Sunday Guardian yesterday afternoon: "This occasion is a special one for St Joseph in that we would be writing another chapter in the history of the park with this name change which would reflect the new era that Trinidad and Tobago is embarking upon at this time.
"The original name of this facility was Daaga Barracks named after an African slave who led a revolt against the slave masters at that time. We are indeed grateful to the corporate sponsors and the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation who have made this day possible."
Chairman of the Corporation Councillor Khadijah Ameen will unveil the plaque with the park's new nomenclature.