The Best of Trinidad and Tobago’s Culture
Comes to Washington DC 44th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations

Washington D.C.: On Friday 25th August 2006, the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in Washington DC will launch a series of events featuring some aspects of the best of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to celebrate the nation’s 44th Anniversary of Independence.

The program of events opens with an Exhibition of Works of Art by well-known local artist, Shalini Seereeram, at the Headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS). The Exhibition runs from August 25th to August 31st – Independence Day in Trinidad and Tobago.

On Sunday 27th August, the National Steel Orchestra will perform at The National Aquarium on The Waterfront in Baltimore. This will be the first US performance for the Orchestra which is well-known for its exceptional renditions at regional and international events at which Trinidad and Tobago is officially represented.

On Monday 28th August, the Embassy will host a reception and cultural evening at the OAS Headquarters with performances by calypso mega star - David Rudder, winner of Trinidad & Tobago Calypso Monarch and Young King Awards, ten consecutive Sunshine Awards and six Nafeita Awards. Mr. Rudder has also been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program for the Caribbean since 1989. Guests at the reception will also be entertained by the National Steel Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago.

Celebrations continue on Tuesday 29th August, with David Rudder in Concert and pannist, Dane Gulston at the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Activities conclude on September 2 with a Benefit Concert at the Embassy of France featuring renowned tenor soloist of the Lydian Singers, Eddie Cumberbatch, Stephanie Matthews, concert violonist and Florabelle Speilmann, soprano. Both Ms. Matthews, who is a resident of Virginia, USA and Ms. Spielmann, a resident of France, are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago by descent. The Concert will be in support of two charitable organizations – Love In Action and the Torres Foundation for the Blind International Incorporated with beneficiaries in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

Each year, the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, in Washington, marks the country’s Independence with a week-long series of activities. Attendees this year will include members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior officials of the United States Department of State, representatives of several Washington DC Performing Arts Centres and nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who are expected to travel from all over the US to celebrate the momentous occasion of 44 years as an Independent nation.

August 18th, 2006