During the Tobago Heritage Festival cultural forerunners, who contributed to its development from 1987 to 1997, were honoured by the Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation.  The event took place at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort on July 30that the first-ever Heritage Recognition Awards.

Forty-four living awardees received commemorative plaques while 26 awards were distributed posthumously. Posthumous honourees include Tobago Heritage Festival initiator Dr. Jacob D. Elder and designer of the Heritage Festival logo Dr. Edward Christopher Hernandez.

Former Chairman of the Tobago Heritage Committee, Annette Alfred, and Educator Dr. Eastlyn McKenzie were also honoured. The names of the awardees will be placed on a Heritage Scroll of Honour and displayed at the Icons of Tobago Museum.

“Continue to encourage and support our rich heritage even as we endeavour to expand and develop the product. This ensures the sustainability of the festival, which can also result in both tangible and intangible benefits for the people of Tobago,” Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation, Councillor Nadine Stewart-Phillips said.

The 2019 edition of the Tobago Heritage Festival, one of the island’s biggest cultural events, began on July 12 and culminated on Emancipation Day (August 1) at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park.