Tobago now has almost 700 persons certified in various cultural expressions.
These individuals and cultural groups displayed the island’s music, dance, drama, theatre, visual arts and craft at the Division of Tourism Culture and Transportation’s Performing Arts Training Programme Showcase.
The well-patronised event saw hundreds of supporters and cultural enthusiasts flocking to the Cecil Dalrymple Auditorium of the Signal Hill Secondary School on Sunday evening.
The show marked the end of training sessions and provided a forum for participants to display what they had learned at the Division of Tourism Culture and Transportation training initiative.
Addressing participants, the administrator in the Division Selma Graham said the Tourism Division’s programme significantly strengthens the Tobago population as well as imparts cultural and historical knowledge.
Among the evening’s highlights was Rhythm Babes.
They were well received by the crowd for their patriotic dance, which incorporated well-synchronised and energetic East Indian and African dance moves.
Scarborough RC Primary School also performed well.
Detailed costuming complemented the students’ rendition of the Negro spiritual, Kum ba yah, which made for an emotional presentation.
Students of John Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School were equally engaging, starting the Christmas season early as they played carols using guitars, chac-chac and music handbells.
Delivering the feature address, Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation Nadine Stewart-Phillips, said the training provided participants with performance skills which they will showcase at various Tobago festivals.
“The performing arts play an integral role in developing our citizens and this programme is indeed a fundamental feat to advance our local and national economy globally, as creative industries continue to be among the major drivers of global competitiveness and development.”
A total of 665 certificates were awarded to participants of the Performing Arts Training Programme.