00:00If you're looking forward to attending this year's Independence Day Parade in the capital city,
00:04the route which the armed forces will march hasn't changed much from previous years.
00:08The major change comes in the form of the troops marching down the eastern side of the Queen's Park Savannah
00:13after leaving the northern side of the Savannah, where this year's parade is being held.
00:18The parade is now taking place in the northern part of the Savannah.
00:23When the troops leave the Savannah for the route march, we will be traversing down the eastern side of the
00:32Queen's Park Savannah,
00:34heading down towards the top of Frederick Street, from the top of Frederick Street along Frederick Street to Park Street,
00:42where we'll take a right onto Park Street, proceed down Park Street up to Green Corner,
00:48where we'll take a right onto Tragerate Road.
00:51Down Tragerate Road into St. James, heading towards Roxy Roundabout.
00:57We'll then proceed to courts, take a right onto Long Circular,
01:01and then finish at the police Ken Cook Sports Field, where the parade is going to be dismissed.
01:07So as in years past, the public is invited to line the route,
01:12to come up with their flags, their bandanas, to chair their troops on.
01:16Gold Commander of the Independence Day celebrations, DCP Suzette Martin, reiterated that the police service will be out in full
01:23force,
01:23working in conjunction with the other branches of the national security apparatus,
01:28with the responsibility of overseeing the day's proceedings from start to finish,
01:32with emphasis placed on their responsibility to, quote,
01:35serve, protect, and defend.
01:38DCP Martin also urged the public to show their patriotism in full,
01:42but ensure that they are on their best behaviour throughout the day.
01:46Our message is, bring the flag, bring the pride, bring the culture, and the energy,
01:53but leave the violence and unlawful behaviour behind.
01:57For those planning on attending the fireworks show that wraps up the festivities,
02:02you're in for a treat as usual.
02:04And this year, there's no need to worry about the noise,
02:07as the organisers have taken the animals and citizens into consideration,
02:11with silent fireworks being utilised both in Port of Spain and at the San Fernando Hill.
02:16At 8 p.m., we're going to have, and as DCP Martin mentioned,
02:22the synchronised drones, which we will use to create a number of patriotic images in the sky.
02:31We're going to have choreographed pyrotechnics and major fireworks display.
02:38And, yes, we will be presenting the silent fireworks to reduce the loud bang
02:47and the impact on pets and folks who may live close by.
02:54The Independence Day festivities begins next Monday at 8 a.m.,
02:58with the Armed Forces Parade followed by a cultural showcase,
03:01which begins with a fun zone for the kids at 5 p.m.,
03:04before the action gets underway at 6 p.m.,
03:07while the day's festivities will conclude with the drone and fireworks show at 8 p.m.
03:13Dominic Ramroop, TV6 News.
