T&T Independence celebrated in China

ANGELO JEDIDIAH 

angelo.jedidiah@guardian.co.tt 

Hours before Independence Day celebrations kicked off locally, Trinbagonians in China had already started commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the red, white and black. 

Many gathered at the Embassy of the Republic of T&T to ‘party with d’ Trinis’, as the Beijing compound was brought to life, mirroring the beauty of the twin island. 

Speaking at the commemorative event, Her Excellency Ambassador Analisa Low acknowledged that T&T’s vibrant culture is to be shared with the world. “Maybe one day we will have a Trinidad and Tobago Carnival model on the streets of Beijing, but tonight we will just have to settle for a taste,” Low said. 

They also tasted and sipped Angostura products as the local rum-producing company has returned to China’s markets, following their partnering with a new distributor to boost revenue. 

After delivering an electrifying performance, pannist Joshua Regrello praised the embassy for making everyone feel at home. This was Regrello’s first return since his historic performance of steelpan at the Great Wall of China earlier this year.  

“In the middle of China, it is decorated like home; the vibes like home, the food is home. It’s an amazing opportunity to be here and to be among family. Basically, it’s so precious and makes me grateful for what we have and who we are,” Regrello told Guardian Media. 

The act of genuine hospitality and family was seen when 23-year-old German national Ben Utsch was on his way to Beijing as a first-time traveller and received a spontaneous invitation to yesterday’s Independence Day celebration from a Trinbagonian he met on the plane. 

After witnessing Regrello’s performance, he remained fascinated by the steelpan and the exhilaration everyone felt when it was played. 

“It’s a really interesting instrument. I assume it’s really hard to play; it’s got so many notes. It looks really complicated. But it was a good vibe. I really loved it,” Utsch said. 

Trinidad nationals like Nicole Gangadeen felt that it was a bittersweet moment not being home for the commemorative holiday, as she now lives in Beijing and works as a school teacher. “We got Trini music, Trini food, Angostura is here … the weather is so hot too, so it is just like home. I really love being here celebrating today with everyone.” 

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