Plans are in place for the aggressive promotion of Trinidad and Tobago during the Olympic Games in London, England.

High Commissioner to London, Gavin Nicholas confirmed yesterday that for five weeks—July 22 to August 25—the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, London will be a mini T&T.

“It is meant to be a Trinidad and Tobago Village during the Olympic period, to highlight all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago culture. There will be fashion, music, food, theatre, film, art, workshops, but most of all a lot of business exposure. Companies from Trinidad and Tobago will participate in an Expo of sorts, exposing T&T to the world, trying to raise our profile because so many people will be in London at the time.

“It’s an overall business thrust...maximising opportunities to get business.”

Nicholas said the T&T Village in Kilburn has the full backing of the T&T Government. He added, though, that it was too early to attach a dollar value to the initiative.

“The cost is still being finalised. The idea is for Government funding, but we’re trying to offset some of the costs through corporate sponsorship. At the end of the day, this is the biggest opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to market itself in Europe. Also, bear in mind that 95 percent of foreign tourists that go to Tobago are from Europe.”

The High Commissioner said a programme of events for the T&T Village is “being formulated right now”.

“We are looking at the biggest names in entertainment and culture in Trinidad and Tobago. We expect all of them to be there.

“We’re still working with various partners,” Nicholas continued, “though TDC (Tourism Development Company), the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Film Company, Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce, a number of agencies. We would like Trinidad and Tobago media there as well.”

Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke and Anya Ayoung-Chee are all expected to be at the T&T Village, promoting the country.

T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) secretary general, Brian Lewis said there is a lot to be gained from the T&T Village initiative.

“Over the years, we have always wanted to encourage using the opportunity of the Games to highlight attributes of Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica has done a lot of that, and Barbados to a lesser extent.”

The 2012 Olympic Games will be staged in London, England between July 27 and August 12.

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com