$2.6M saved as Independence Day celebrations scrapped

Akash SamaroO

Senior Reporter/ Producer

[email protected]

The government is expected to save at least $2.6 million after cancelling this year’s Independence Day parade and fireworks display in the capital.

Guardian Media understands that funding for this year’s ceremonial events had already received Cabinet approval from the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration in February.

According to the Cabinet note submitted for approval, the parade alone was projected to cost $1.5 million. This figure included expenses such as renting the Grand Stand facilities, hiring ushers, constructing media towers, installing audio systems, providing guest refreshments, and renting chairs and buses. The Grand Stand rental alone cost approximately $600,000.

This year, the government opted to cancel the parade and fireworks show in favour of a National Day of Prayer and Reflection.

In defending the decision, Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein cited security concerns due to the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). He added that the money saved from the cancellation would be redirected to crime-fighting initiatives.

Additionally, Guardian Media was informed that the fireworks display was expected to cost the state around $1.1 million. There is some contention regarding this figure, as an official from the former administration said the fireworks are donated by private corporate entities.

However, a government source clarified that while the private sector helps fund the show, several state entities, including the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (UDeCOTT), also contribute financially and manage key logistical aspects of the event. UDeCOTT was expected to cover $700,000 of the fireworks costs.

The $2.6 million savings does not include the cost of the “Toast to the Nation,” a formal part of Independence Day celebrations traditionally held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), where the President offers a toast in the presence of government officials and dignitaries. It also does not include expenses for internal celebrations usually held by members of the protective services.

The government is currently compiling the overall savings from the cancellation of these events—a figure expected to be released next week, due to the complex nature of how the celebrations are funded.

There is no dedicated line item in the annual budget for Independence Day events. Funding has traditionally come from the Ministry of National Security, which has since been divided into the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Homeland Security. Various divisions within these ministries contribute to the parade from their allocated funds.

Several arms of national security participate in the military parade, including the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, the Coast Guard, Air Guard, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, and the Prisons Service.

The Independence Day parade traditionally begins with a formal inspection of the troops by the President, who is greeted at the Grand Stand with a Royal Salute and the national anthem. Following this, the military and uniformed services stage a grand march past, accompanied by their bands, proceeding through the streets of Port-of-Spain along a published route, often including Frederick Street, Park Street, and Tragarete Road. The event also features the mounted branch of the police, the K-9 unit, ceremonial vehicles, and at times an Air Guard fly-past. Spectators typically line the streets, waving flags and cheering.