For 31 years, the Paramin Development Committee has maintained a standard of cultural engagement that has thrilled many, both within the Paramin community and outside. In 2009, however, the annual parang festival will, for the first time, be hosted outside Paramin. Chairman of the association Thomas Sanoir said the decision was made after the Maraval Parish turned down a request for use of the Mon Cyril Recreation Grounds. The location, having been used for hosting the annual event since 1997, was described by Sanoir as property vested in the Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain, given to the Archbishop on behalf of the people of the community of Paramin by the Procop family.
He further explained that the facility was meant for leisure and recreational activities or intellectual pursuits that would assist in the development of the Paramin community. Based on this, Sanoir said, his committee would present a formal request for use of the grounds each year. This year, the response came in the negative, with the parish priest, along with other members of his property management team, saying that the field would be damaged and the recreational needs of the community would be placed at risk. Efforts to engage in talks on the matter with the Archbishop of Port-of-Spain Edward Gilbert also proved futile. A final bid for assistance was made on October 27, this time to Culture Minister, Marlene MacDonald. The association has decided that the event will be hosted at the Trinidad Country Club, Long Circular Road, Maraval, on December 18, from 7 pm to 3 am.
"We are hoping that good sense will prevail, so that in the future, Parang in Paramin can move back to Paramin," said Sanoir. He explained that the festivities–which include the sale of what he referred to as "well-seasoned" delicacies like wild meat, pastelles, arepas, provision and yard fowl–have for years provided economic sustainability for the people of the area. "Jeep drivers would be hired and people selling seasoning would earn money. In addition to that, 90 per cent of the concessionaires are from Paramin."The loss of this year's tradition has hit the community hard. With $200,000 needed to put on the event, the overall aim of the Paramin Development Committee is to transform the Trinidad Country Club into a setting somewhat similar to their mountain village.
"The country club will lend itself to the atmosphere; the energy will be similar to what happens in Paramin in terms of the ambience, trees, surroundings. Food will be sold as well. It will be Paramin coming to the Country Club." In this, its 32nd year, the festival will feature eight traditional parang bands, while four soca parang artistes will be on hand to please the crowd. The committee, an NGO, maintains its commitment to the cause, but is calling on corporate Trinidad to lend a hand in ensuring that the event is a success. All proceeds will go towards the construction of a community centre for the area. Meanwhile, efforts made by the T&T Guardian to obtain comment on the issue from the Maraval Parish proved unsuccessful, as the organisation said they had no comment.
To help this cause or to be a part of the event, please contact:
�2 Thomas Sanoir � 789-3499
�2 Community Affairs Officer
Colin Gregory Romain � 689-7524
�2 Treasurer Paula Bernadette Letren � 375-6665.