On August 15, 2014, the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago in conjunction with the Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ottawa, hosted a reception for a delegation from The Export Centres Company Ltd. (ECCL), who were in the capital to participate in the annual Trinbago Day. ECCL is a State Agency under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development. The organization was established in 1996 under the government’s mandate to train persons to become micro-entrepreneurs capable of producing and selling high quality handicraft items. Its mission is to provide guidance, research and support to producers of craft and fashion throughout Trinidad and Tobago in order to develop, promote and sustain the handicraft industry. For more info about this agency visit http://www.eccl-tt.com/v2/
On Saturday, August 16, 2014 the Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ottawa (TTAO) hosted its annual Trinbago Day celebration at Ottawa City Hall. This event was an opportunity for Ottawans to celebrate “Trini”culture and heritage, and among the highlights were: a colourful fashion show by Chez Gifty’s, a dance performance by members of the Cultural Arts Studio of Afro-Caribbean Dance, authentic “Trini” food prepared by Mugena Caribbean Restaurant, music by popular DJ David Supersound, various booths showcasing community-based businesses and organizations, a silent auction, and an impressive display high quality handicraft items direct from Trinidad and Tobago presented by the state agency Export Centres Company Ltd. (ECCL). For more info about TTAO and its upcoming events, visit www.ttao.ca/
Submitted by Sarah Onyango
Photos by Sarah Onyango and Suzette Weekes