​Few may have heard of Aubrey “Bolo” Christopher and his family, but they were among the first Chinese Trinidadians to bring out Carnival bands and to be involved with Calypso. Nicknamed after his favorite bread roll, Bolo came from a family of ten children of Richard Christopher, a Chinese shop owner and businessman and his Venezuelan wife, Narcisa Rodriquez. The family lived on top of their shop at 7 Nelson St. near Tamarind Square. The shop was a grocery and variety store and had a large back yard which was to become a place to hang out for young people who lived in the area.
Bolo was an inquisitive and innovative child who liked to tinker and make things. He made his own bicycle for instance and toys for his siblings to play with. From the age of 11, he began to get dressed up for the Carnival and to play banjo for the bands he took part in.
Between 1927 to 1939, Bolo and his older brothers, Choy Yin and Chin Yu brought out small bands from their home. His mother, Narcisa and his sisters sewed all the costumes, while Choy Yin could make head pieces. A neighbourhood friend, Manzi Lai, would also help out until he too, began bringing out costume bands on his own.
The boys began organizing calypso competitions every Carnival in tent they would set up in the back yard of the shop. Bolo could play several instruments and even composed Calypsos for others as he preferred not to sing.
Bolo was also an athlete, a cyclist who represented Trinidad at his peak. He opened a bike shop which made and sold bikes, and when this business fell off , he began repairing and selling radios. The shop was also importing and selling records and this would lead him to open a small recording studio at the shop. One day, he was asked to help a young calypsonian to record a song called “Yankee Gone”, that had been repurposed from an advertising jingle he had written for Salvatori stores. Bolo liked the tune and pushed the radio stations to play it. It was better known as “Jean and Dinah” and the singer composer was Sparrow.
Richard Christopher, Bolo’s father, never told his family his Chinese name, nor shared much about his early life. When I interviewed Bolo’s sole surviving sibling, a 93 year old sister, Tentie, she said she regretted not taking the trouble to find out. I asked if there was a family plot at the cemetery and there, on one of the headstones, I found the family name in Chinese characters, it is Huang. (Source: Robert Lee, Angelo Bissessarsingh's Virtual Museum of T&T) 

​MINISTER of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell is expecting more tourists to visit TT for Carnival,based on the number of airline flights and cruiseship arrivals. He said so at the launch of the John Cupid Carnival Village, at Queen's Park Savanah, Port of Spain, on the night of February 7.
"The encouraging growth and success of this Carnival Village can be measured in the numbers of patrons who pass through its entrance to experience the events held here.
He said in Carnival 2023, the National Carnival Commission recorded 70,000 patrons visiting the Carnival Village and in 2024, the patronage increased to 100,000.
Mitchell expected Carnival Village this year to exceed 100,000 patrons.
Themed, No Place Like Home, he said Carnival 2025 was shaping up to be one of the most exciting and expansive celebrations in TT's history. "We have already seen a remarkable increase in the number of events, with between 300 to 400 Carnival events and fetes scheduled to take place.
"This year, we have 410 more aircraft arriving to TT from international destinations from February 1 to the first week of March. Therefore, we expect more visitors here during the season."
Mitchell expected visitor spend to surpass the $640 million spent in 2024.
"This visitor spend will provide a great economic stimulus to all involved in the Carnival celebrations, from the accommodation providers, promoters, artistes, taxi drivers, and vendors."
He said Carnival patrons have expressed their thrill and excitement at the variety and quality of events being hosted this season, and he was sure this Carnival would be one to remember. "The impact of this Carnival village will no doubt contribute to success of the season at large."
Mitchell said the Carnival Village exemplified the diversity of Carnival and the variety of all its layers, offering something for everyone. "There will be over 40 vendors selling a range of products, including craft items, tasty cuisine and clothing.
"We are surely in for an unforgettable experience with twenty events covering a wide range of our Carnival music genres from extempo to chutney to calypso and soca."
He encouraged all to come out to support local entertainers and artisans. "Their work is indeed the heartbeat of our cultural industry."
Mitchell said the Government and his ministry remained unwavering in their commitment to supporting local creatives, and ensuring their contributions were recognised, celebrated, and sustained for generations to come.
He espoused the educational benefits of the Carnival Village.
"As in previous years, we are pleased to welcome students on specially designated days to be part of the entertainment.
"This initiative not only immerses young minds in the richness of our culture, but also nurtures the next generation of creatives and cultural ambassadors."
The experiences and networking opportunities they gain will broaden their perspectives, inspire their creativity and instill a deep appreciation for TT's cultural heritage.
"Additionally, as our cruiseship season progresses, we are set to welcome six cruiseships during the period February- March, including the epic carnival experience on the Rhapsody of the Seas, Royal Caribbean, which will be docked for five days at the port of Port-of-Spain, bringing 2,396 passengers eager to revel in our Carnival festivities.
"Recognising the importance of these visitors to our tourism industry, we have tailored special days within the village to ensure that they too, can immerse themselves in our celebrations."
He said a top priority was ensuring safety for all.
"We have put specific measures in place to safeguard both our citizens and visitors alike, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the John Cupid Carnival Village."
Mitchell thanked all who had made Carnival 2025 possible, including and organisations the National Carnival Commission, the Regional Carnival Unit and the Carnival Institute, plus the security services for their tireless efforts in bringing the Carnival Village 2025 to fruition.
"Your dedication to excellence and your passion for preserving and elevating our culture do not go unnoticed."
Guests were treated to performances by traditional Carnival characters – screaming jabs jabs, cavorting blue devils, voluptuous dame lorraines, and pierrot grenades.
At one stage, fantastic moko mumbles towered high and danced in time to the fiery notes from a lively tassa band. The happy show was emceed by Darryl Mendoza and Oscar B.
Gospel artiste Jaron Nurse kicked off the musical performances.
Darryl "Farmer Nappy" Henry had guests singing along to his song, How I feeling?
Orlando Octave, Rikki Jai, Freetown Collective and Squeezy Rankin all gave performances keenly lapped up by patrons. ​(Source: Sean Douglas Newsday )

Glass bottles have, once again, been banned by Cabinet during Carnival.
The ban was first introduced in 2020, but it was since 2012 that then Port of Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing had been advocating for the ban.
The Carnival (Prohibition of Glass Bottles) Regulations, 2025, say from 4 am on March 3 to midnight on March 4, only “authorised” people can have, serve or drink from a glass bottle within 100 metres of a Carnival event in a public place.
The only public place glass bottles will be allowed is at the beach.
Authorised people include those holding a licence under the Liquor Licences Act; anyone holding a special event licence issued under the Special Event Order, 2025; a vendor holding a food badge; a server of a band registered under the Carnival Regulations, 2025; and on duty employees a Municipal Corporation; the CEPEP Company Ltd; TT Solid Waste Management Company Ltd or an employee of a manufacturer or distributor of beverages in glass bottles.
Any unauthorised person found with a glass bottle will be fined $1,000 and spend up to six months in jail.
(Source:  Janelle De Souza Newsday)

Source: Elizabeth Gonzales Guardian Tobago Correspondent 
On February 7, 2024, Tobago’s coastline was devastated when a barge capsized, spilling thousands of gallons of fuel into the sea. The disaster hit the island hard—environmentally, economically, and socially.
One year later, Tobagonians are reflecting on how the disaster changed the island.
Thick oil covered the shore in a matter of minutes after the Gulfstream barge overturned and crashed just off the coast of Cove, spewing bunker fuel. It was the beginning of months of recovery.
The spill was catastrophic, choking marine life and suffocating the island’s economy, incurring a $76 million bill.
The oil spread quickly, coating Lambeau Bay, lining the Scarborough shoreline, and breaching the protected mangroves.
Containment boons were used at the Scarborough Port and around the wreckage to contain the spill.
The spill didn’t just affect the environment—two schools, Scarborough Secondary and Lambeau Anglican, had to close because of air quality concerns.
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said it took 196 days to contain 60,000 barrels of oil waste and 23,000 cubic yards of material waste to restore the island. It took 77 days to remove the wreckage.
One year later, fisherman Edwin Ramkissoon said life hasn’t been the same. His vessel, Fishers of Men, was trapped in the oil.
It took days to recover the vessel safely, but it was damaged and covered in fuel. To date, he’s still trying to get back on his feet.
Ramkissoon said: “Up to now, I don’t know what to say. It’s like a nightmare still haunting me.”
He is among a group waiting to process claims through the International Oil Spill Compensation Fund. Until that happens, he is surviving on handouts and favors.
He said he feels forgotten.
“My boat needs repairs. My engine—I have to get a new one because it’s not working so well. I need to paint over my boat as well because it still has oil stains and cracks from when they were bringing it up,” he said.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said the disaster proves Tobago can go through hell and come out strong.
At a press conference two weeks ago, Augustine gave a breakdown of the spill’s expenses.
“For me, the biggest takeaway from the crisis is that Tobago has the ability to go through hell and come out with a slice of heaven,” he said.
Augustine said the THA is working to capature Tobago’s response to the disaster in a special documentary.
Just days before the anniversary, hydrocarbons resurfaced but were quickly contained. TEMA director Allan Stewart said this might continue throughout the year.
“It is factual that there is sunken oil and as a result, it may resurface from time to time. When it resurfaces, we just have to do what we have to do in terms of mopping up.”
Marine expert Alvin Douglas predicts a full recovery of Tobago’s marine life—particularly the damage done to a reef during the crash—could take a lifetime.

​Hummingbird Gold medal awardee Glenn ‘Dragon’ De Souza to attempt world record for “Most Moko Jumbies in one spot”

Hummingbird Gold Medal awardee Glenn ‘Dragon’ De Souza and his historic troupe, the Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies, will be attempting the Guinness World Record for “Most Moko Jumbies in One Spot” during the week before Carnival 2025 at the historic Queen’s Park Savannah.
The historic event will see 1,000 Moko Jumbies assemble at the Queen’s Park Savannah, creating a truly inspiring and vivid representation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.
This momentous initiative will be the pre-cursor to a Keylemanjahro World Tour in 2026 which will intersect with global institutions like the Jim Henson Creature Shop (creator of Sesame Street, the Muppet Show, Dark Crystal, etc).
The group said the record was attempted once before in Trinidad but did not hit the mark, however, Dragon believes that he can do it.
The event will be carded for the week before Carnival when many Carnival visitors will be in Trinidad at the Queen’s Park Savannah.  


“Just imagine what that sight would look like, “ Dragon said, “One thousand plus Moko Jumbies in the home of Carnival, against the Northern Range, in the green savannah!”
The group said the World Record-breaking procession of Moko Jumbies will then walk past the Magnificent Seven and then to President’s House.
The group said there will also be a ‘Making Of’ documentary that will be shot of the event and events leading up to it, creating a biography of Dragon and Keylemanjahro.
The group said the process of mobilising for the 1000 Mokos event will also be the process of consolidating the Moko Jumbie Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MJATT), and international media as well as allies from Sesame Street will be invited to take part.
The group said additionally, as the first Carnival after Dragon and Keylemanjahro have been honoured, Carnival 2025 will be a statement masquerade by this troupe.
The band also plans to display for Carnival 2025 a Kiddies and Adult Carnival presentation, “Sailors and Dame Lorraines”.
The band ‘Sailors and Dame Lorraines’- ‘Damsels in Distress, Sailors to the Rescue will be targeting between 75-150 Moko Jumbie masqueraders but will also feature ground level masqueraders. The band will take part in Kiddies Carnival as a Small band. The band will also take part in the adult Carnival as a Small band.
The Kiddies band will have one King and Queen while the Adult band will have two Kings and Queens.
The group said Keylemanjahro will also be launching a signature brand of t-shirts for sale to the public starting with three different designs.
Keylemanjahro is also pursuing a patent for a locally designed stilt design.
“In Keylemanjahro, Dragon has created a grassroots organization that has had an international impact of stratospheric proportions in terms of Brand T&T influence and cultural footprint. It is one of the most successful Cultural and Civic Institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. Dragon’s Moko Jumbies changed the presentation of T&T large event spectacle with many of Trinidad’s top performers and artists using the troupe for their top portrayals from Peter Minshall, Machel Montano, Super Blue, Brian Mac Farlane, Legends Mas band, etc- all using them in prize winning portrayals in Soca Monarch, Parade of the Bands, etc..”
“Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies were featured in the Miss Universe 1999 Pageant broadcast hosted by T&T. In 2001 Denise Plummer featured them in her Calypso Queen finals presentation of Nah Leaving. The troupe has been used as one of the main features in most of the country’s major national events and celebrations- from the return of a record-breaking Brian Lara and the return of the Soca Warriors to the launch of major corporate brands. Now a major national event is not complete unless it has a Moko Jumbie troupe- it was Dragon and Keylemanjahro who was responsible for this.”
De Souza, who founded the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, was honoured with one of the nation’s highest awards, the Humming Bird Gold Medal, by President Christine Kangaloo.
The Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, which commemorates its 35th anniversary this year, has seen over 4,000 students graduate from its illustrious halls, becoming known as the institution and troupe that resurrected and mainstreamed the Moko Jumbie tradition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Diaspora.
The Keylemanjahro Troupe is an institution that has had profound global impact and has been one of the greatest ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago globally.
Since 1997, Keylemanjahro was featured three times on popular American children’s television show, Sesame Street, portraying Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to millions internationally.
Photographs and stories from the international best-selling hard-cover coffee-table book ‘MOKO JUMBIES: THE DANCING SPIRITS OF TRINIDAD, which features Keylemanjahro, have been featured in major mainstream newspapers, magazines and scholarly publications worldwide, such as the New York Times, National Geographic, etc and mainstream TV broadcasters like ABC News.
“Dragon rescued and re-animated the Moko Jumbie tradition from death in Trinidad and took the tradition worldwide. Many of his innovations and routines are now part of the character’s repertoire internationally. Stilt walkers trained by Dragon pioneered stilt-walking in international troupes like Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul Circus- the African-American circus company, and dozens of other troupes on both sides of the Atlantic. His troupe has saved hundreds of children from the life of the streets from the hardest urban ‘ghetto’ communities in Trinidad (Cocorite, Diego Martin, Laventille, etc) training them in many cultural arts.”
The band also broke new ground in Carnival portrayals at Kiddies level, pioneering Moko Jumbie wins:
1995 – “Comic Strip”, the first time a Moko Jumbie band won first  place at Junior Parade of the Bands (Medium School)
1995 - Lost in the Jungle; the first time a Moko Jumbie Queen won first place Junior Queen
2003 - The Spirit of Carnival; 1st place Band of the Year (Junior Open)
2005 - Osebo Drums; 1st Place Junior Parade of the Bands (medium School)
2019 - Ahearn: the Rainmaker- First Place Junior King- School
2023 - A Taste of Africa; 1st place Junior Parade of the Bands (Mini School).
For more information follow the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture on Facebook.
“Just imagine what that sight would look like, “ Dragon said, “One thousand plus Moko Jumbies in the home of Carnival, against the Northern Range, in the green savannah!”
The group said the World Record-breaking procession of Moko Jumbies will then walk past the Magnificent Seven and then to President’s House.
The group said there will also be a ‘Making Of’ documentary that will be shot of the event and events leading up to it, creating a biography of Dragon and Keylemanjahro.
The group said the process of mobilising for the 1000 Mokos event will also be the process of consolidating the Moko Jumbie Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MJATT), and international media as well as allies from Sesame Street will be invited to take part.
The group said additionally, as the first Carnival after Dragon and Keylemanjahro have been honoured, Carnival 2025 will be a statement masquerade by this troupe.
The band also plans to display for Carnival 2025 a Kiddies and Adult Carnival presentation, “Sailors and Dame Lorraines”.
The band ‘Sailors and Dame Lorraines’- ‘Damsels in Distress, Sailors to the Rescue will be targeting between 75-150 Moko Jumbie masqueraders but will also feature ground level masqueraders. The band will take part in Kiddies Carnival as a Small band. The band will also take part in the adult Carnival as a Small band.
The Kiddies band will have one King and Queen while the Adult band will have two Kings and Queens.
The group said Keylemanjahro will also be launching a signature brand of t-shirts for sale to the public starting with three different designs.
Keylemanjahro is also pursuing a patent for a locally designed stilt design.
“In Keylemanjahro, Dragon has created a grassroots organization that has had an international impact of stratospheric proportions in terms of Brand T&T influence and cultural footprint. It is one of the most successful Cultural and Civic Institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. Dragon’s Moko Jumbies changed the presentation of T&T large event spectacle with many of Trinidad’s top performers and artists using the troupe for their top portrayals from Peter Minshall, Machel Montano, Super Blue, Brian Mac Farlane, Legends Mas band, etc- all using them in prize winning portrayals in Soca Monarch, Parade of the Bands, etc..”
“Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies were featured in the Miss Universe 1999 Pageant broadcast hosted by T&T. In 2001 Denise Plummer featured them in her Calypso Queen finals presentation of Nah Leaving. The troupe has been used as one of the main features in most of the country’s major national events and celebrations- from the return of a record-breaking Brian Lara and the return of the Soca Warriors to the launch of major corporate brands. Now a major national event is not complete unless it has a Moko Jumbie troupe- it was Dragon and Keylemanjahro who was responsible for this.”
De Souza, who founded the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, was honoured with one of the nation’s highest awards, the Humming Bird Gold Medal, by President Christine Kangaloo.
The Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, which commemorates its 35th anniversary this year, has seen over 4,000 students graduate from its illustrious halls, becoming known as the institution and troupe that resurrected and mainstreamed the Moko Jumbie tradition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Diaspora.
The Keylemanjahro Troupe is an institution that has had profound global impact and has been one of the greatest ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago globally.
Since 1997, Keylemanjahro was featured three times on popular American children’s television show, Sesame Street, portraying Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to millions internationally.
Photographs and stories from the international best-selling hard-cover coffee-table book ‘MOKO JUMBIES: THE DANCING SPIRITS OF TRINIDAD, which features Keylemanjahro, have been featured in major mainstream newspapers, magazines and scholarly publications worldwide, such as the New York Times, National Geographic, etc and mainstream TV broadcasters like ABC News.
“Dragon rescued and re-animated the Moko Jumbie tradition from death in Trinidad and took the tradition worldwide. Many of his innovations and routines are now part of the character’s repertoire internationally. Stilt walkers trained by Dragon pioneered stilt-walking in international troupes like Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul Circus- the African-American circus company, and dozens of other troupes on both sides of the Atlantic. His troupe has saved hundreds of children from the life of the streets from the hardest urban ‘ghetto’ communities in Trinidad (Cocorite, Diego Martin, Laventille, etc) training them in many cultural arts.”
The band also broke new ground in Carnival portrayals at Kiddies level, pioneering Moko Jumbie wins:
1995 – “Comic Strip”, the first time a Moko Jumbie band won first  place at Junior Parade of the Bands (Medium School)
1995 - Lost in the Jungle; the first time a Moko Jumbie Queen won first place Junior Queen
2003 - The Spirit of Carnival; 1st place Band of the Year (Junior Open)
2005 - Osebo Drums; 1st Place Junior Parade of the Bands (medium School)
2019 - Ahearn: the Rainmaker- First Place Junior King- School
2023 - A Taste of Africa; 1st place Junior Parade of the Bands (Mini School).
For more information follow the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture on Facebook.
“Just imagine what that sight would look like, “ Dragon said, “One thousand plus Moko Jumbies in the home of Carnival, against the Northern Range, in the green savannah!”
The group said the World Record-breaking procession of Moko Jumbies will then walk past the Magnificent Seven and then to President’s House.
The group said there will also be a ‘Making Of’ documentary that will be shot of the event and events leading up to it, creating a biography of Dragon and Keylemanjahro.
The group said the process of mobilising for the 1000 Mokos event will also be the process of consolidating the Moko Jumbie Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MJATT), and international media as well as allies from Sesame Street will be invited to take part.
The group said additionally, as the first Carnival after Dragon and Keylemanjahro have been honoured, Carnival 2025 will be a statement masquerade by this troupe.
The band also plans to display for Carnival 2025 a Kiddies and Adult Carnival presentation, “Sailors and Dame Lorraines”.
The band ‘Sailors and Dame Lorraines’- ‘Damsels in Distress, Sailors to the Rescue will be targeting between 75-150 Moko Jumbie masqueraders but will also feature ground level masqueraders. The band will take part in Kiddies Carnival as a Small band. The band will also take part in the adult Carnival as a Small band.
The Kiddies band will have one King and Queen while the Adult band will have two Kings and Queens.
The group said Keylemanjahro will also be launching a signature brand of t-shirts for sale to the public starting with three different designs.
Keylemanjahro is also pursuing a patent for a locally designed stilt design.
“In Keylemanjahro, Dragon has created a grassroots organization that has had an international impact of stratospheric proportions in terms of Brand T&T influence and cultural footprint. It is one of the most successful Cultural and Civic Institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. Dragon’s Moko Jumbies changed the presentation of T&T large event spectacle with many of Trinidad’s top performers and artists using the troupe for their top portrayals from Peter Minshall, Machel Montano, Super Blue, Brian Mac Farlane, Legends Mas band, etc- all using them in prize winning portrayals in Soca Monarch, Parade of the Bands, etc..”
“Keylemanjahro Moko Jumbies were featured in the Miss Universe 1999 Pageant broadcast hosted by T&T. In 2001 Denise Plummer featured them in her Calypso Queen finals presentation of Nah Leaving. The troupe has been used as one of the main features in most of the country’s major national events and celebrations- from the return of a record-breaking Brian Lara and the return of the Soca Warriors to the launch of major corporate brands. Now a major national event is not complete unless it has a Moko Jumbie troupe- it was Dragon and Keylemanjahro who was responsible for this.”
De Souza, who founded the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, was honoured with one of the nation’s highest awards, the Humming Bird Gold Medal, by President Christine Kangaloo.
The Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture, which commemorates its 35th anniversary this year, has seen over 4,000 students graduate from its illustrious halls, becoming known as the institution and troupe that resurrected and mainstreamed the Moko Jumbie tradition in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Diaspora.
The Keylemanjahro Troupe is an institution that has had profound global impact and has been one of the greatest ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago globally.
Since 1997, Keylemanjahro was featured three times on popular American children’s television show, Sesame Street, portraying Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to millions internationally.
Photographs and stories from the international best-selling hard-cover coffee-table book ‘MOKO JUMBIES: THE DANCING SPIRITS OF TRINIDAD, which features Keylemanjahro, have been featured in major mainstream newspapers, magazines and scholarly publications worldwide, such as the New York Times, National Geographic, etc and mainstream TV broadcasters like ABC News.
“Dragon rescued and re-animated the Moko Jumbie tradition from death in Trinidad and took the tradition worldwide. Many of his innovations and routines are now part of the character’s repertoire internationally. Stilt walkers trained by Dragon pioneered stilt-walking in international troupes like Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul Circus- the African-American circus company, and dozens of other troupes on both sides of the Atlantic. His troupe has saved hundreds of children from the life of the streets from the hardest urban ‘ghetto’ communities in Trinidad (Cocorite, Diego Martin, Laventille, etc) training them in many cultural arts.”
The band also broke new ground in Carnival portrayals at Kiddies level, pioneering Moko Jumbie wins:
1995 – “Comic Strip”, the first time a Moko Jumbie band won first  place at Junior Parade of the Bands (Medium School)
1995 - Lost in the Jungle; the first time a Moko Jumbie Queen won first place Junior Queen
2003 - The Spirit of Carnival; 1st place Band of the Year (Junior Open)
2005 - Osebo Drums; 1st Place Junior Parade of the Bands (medium School)
2019 - Ahearn: the Rainmaker- First Place Junior King- School
2023 - A Taste of Africa; 1st place Junior Parade of the Bands (Mini School).
For more information follow the Keylemanjahro School of Arts and Culture on Facebook.

Coconut Rock Buns
Ingredients
2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine (at room temperature)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk well to blend.
Add the butter, and using your fingers, rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles a crumbly texture. Stir in the raisins.
Add the vanilla essence, eggs, and milk to the mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough into rough, uneven balls and place them on a prepared baking tray. Do not smooth the dough; they should remain irregular and "rock-like."
Bake for 30 minutes or until the buns are golden brown on top.
Enjoy these rustic, coconutty treats with tea or coffee!
​(Source; Tropical Recipes, January 11, 2025)

A design for the new coat of arms has been chosen – it depicts a golden tenor pan and two sticks.
The final version was chosen from among several submissions by artist Gillian Bishop.
On January 13, Parliament approved the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to give legal effect for the change.
The redesign will remove the depiction of the three ships – Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria – used by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus at the base of the coat of arms. ”
Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore said the type of pan used on the coat of arms is a tenor pan with two pan sticks.


In a release, Ramsey-Moore hailed the decision as a monumental moment in TT's history.
“The inclusion of the steelpan on the national coat of arms is a defining moment for our nation. It symbolises the resilience, ingenuity and unity of our people. Born from struggle, the steelpan has become a beacon of TT’s cultural legacy and innovation. This is a moment for every citizen to stand tall and proud.”
During the debate, Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell said the old coat of arms can be used until January 1, 2026, once the act is assented to and proclaimed by the President. Mitchell said the change was made because of public calls to decolonise the symbols of TT. Mitchell said the proposal for the change was formalised by the Cabinet in August 2024. Local jeweller and artist Bishop was asked to develop the new design.
“After a thorough review and thoughtful consideration of all designs, the Pan Trinbago team is pleased to express our enthusiastic agreement with design number seven. We are particularly heartened that this design features the steelpan alongside its iconic two-pan sticks. This inclusion celebrates the steelpan’s role as the national musical instrument of TT, symbolising the creativity and indomitable spirit of our people,” Mitchell said, quoting from a Pan Trinbago letter.
Mitchell said the transitional period will be until January 1, 2026, which meant there would be no great or disruptive urgency to change the old coat of arms.
“There will be no mad scramble. There will be no need for citizens to desperately line up at government offices to replace the old coat of arms. In a case where the coat of arms is in digital forms and online, it can be replaced in documents such as official correspondence and other paraphernalia with immediate effect, easily and at minimal cost."
“Where the coat of arms is in the form of physical installations, eg on government buildings, the bill provides for a period of transition, where all government agencies can now plan and budget in the upcoming appropriation bill, in the upcoming months, for changes that will need to be put in place by January 1, 2026.”
Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin said the opposition was only informed about the bill at 2.40 pm on January 10, and told that it would be added to the Order Paper on January 13. The Opposition was only given additional information about the bill at 4 pm on January 13.
“I apologise to the members of Pan Trinbago present in the gallery as the members on this side were invested in the state of emergency debate. I apologise that pan is not being treated in the way it should be treated,” she said, noting the unpreparedness of the Opposition for the debate.
"How does the issue before us today improve the lives of our people? How does it address the struggles of our pan players who continue to fight for survival in a system that overlooks their existence? Symbolism cannot replace substance.
“Pan players are only celebrated during the Carnival season. The government could have come here today and itemised how they intend to improve the lack of institutional support.”
Benjamin asked for a definitive cost of changing the coat of arms. She said the country was left in limbo as there was not a final date given for the changeover of ID cards and other documents.
The Prime Minister said the government could not count on the support of the opposition even in such a unifying matter.
“Any MP saying they needed extended notice to be able to decide whether they will support the modernisation of our emblem could not be serious, especially since this issue has been around since last August (2024) and to come and say you were ambushed and therefore have nothing useful to say is really not a serious contribution.”
He said over the years the government had come to realise symbols and symbolism matter and the steelpan represents all of TT.
Rowley said steelpan players were honoured outside of Carnival and were embodiments of the country’s watchwords of discipline, tolerance and production.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar asked when the bill would be proclaimed. She called for the coat of arms in the House of Representatives to be changed first. She said the opposition supported the change.
“I want to place on record that we fully support this amended bill. It is long in coming but the day has come and we welcome that day.”


This story was originally published with the title "National Emblems Bill passed" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.
THE National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Parliament on January 13.
Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell said the old coat of arms can be used until January 1, 2026, once the act is assented to and proclaimed by the President.
Speaking during debate on the bill late on Monday night, Mitchell said the bill amends Part I of the schedule to the National Emblems of TT (Regulation) Act.
“This clause amends the description of the coat of arms of TT by deleting the reference in the base of the arms to ‘three ships of the period of Christopher Columbus also gold the sails set proper’ and substituting that the base of the coat of arms will now contain ‘a gold steelpan and its iconic two pan sticks, also gold.’”
Mitchell said the proposal for the change was formalised in August 2024 by cabinet, which agreed jeweller and artist Gillian Bishop would be engaged to develop the new design. He said she was asked to prepare renderings of the coat of arms to be considered by the cabinet and taken to Parliament.
He said the consideration and endorsement of Pan Trinbago was sought on the design and received in November 2024.
Mitchell said the transitional period will last until January 1, 2026, which meant there would be no great or disruptive urgency to change the old coat of arms to the new one.
Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore hailed the decision as a monumental moment in TT's history..
“The inclusion of the steelpan on the national coat of arms is a defining moment for our nation. It symbolises the resilience, ingenuity and unity of our people. Born from struggle, the steelpan has become a beacon of TT’s cultural legacy and innovation. This is a moment for every citizen to stand tall and proud,” she said in a news release on January 14. (Source:  Newsday, January 15, 2025)