Happy Republic Day!

Photo by Magikindian

HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY T&T

It’s always been with fierce pride that I’ve observed the Trinidad flag.  From when Prince Phillip visited my international school in Belgium and my five year old self was decked out in red, white and black, to seeing the Trinbagonian flag waving when our Olympians managed to pip the Jamaicans to the post and hit that podium, seeing the striking colours always used to bring tears to my eyes.  A nostalgic longing for the land of my birth, perhaps?  An association with my father?  Having another place to belong to when my meltedness within the West London melting pot didn’t feel too comfortable?

However, now I live here, I no longer cry when I see the flag or hear the anthem (well, with the heavy nationalism, I’d never have a dry eye…) but seeing the flag fluttering patriotically, in contrast with a blue and white sky still fills me with joy…and pride that this tiny dot of an island had the guts to demand total independence.

And let’s not forget it’s another national holiday…a day to train, lime and love up my children, and maybe, just maybe catch up on my work….