Trinidad & Tobago ‘Honours its Past’

Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Slave Abolition

Most people think of the dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago as being blessed with year round sunshine, idyllic beaches and a nation imbued with joie de vivre at their good life. However, it hides a past fraught with drama and tension: the slave trade era.

To celebrate and commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1807 abolition of the slave trade act the Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago has chosen the theme ‘Honouring Our Past’ for the Chelsea Flower Show (May 22-26). Centre stage will be a depiction of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ written by John Newton a converted British Slave trade abolitionist. In this design the dazzling white tropical blooms of Gingers (Alpinia Purpurata), Anthurium Lilies (Andreanum Hybrids) and Orchids will be displayed to show reflected light signifying hope for the future of those involved.

The exhibition stand will draw on the many positive aspects and influences from the slave trade era, which helped to shape Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, environment and music. Tropical foliage and floral material will combine to depict influences in terms of style and design. The inclusion of traditional local handicrafts of baskets and mats alongside plant materials including, bamboo, sugar cane, seeds, pods, fruits, spices, cocoa beans and coffee beans provide a wide range of items from this unspoilt Caribbean islands’ rich heritage of mixed cultural influences.

Holidaymakers to Trinidad and Tobago will discover that many local gardeners, some with specialised plants such as Orchids and Heliconias have show gardens for public viewing. Joan Wilson of the twin islands’ Horticultural Society said:

“As designer, I chose to observe this symbolic occasion by drawing attention to the positive elements from the era. The slaves involved moved forward with humble beginnings as workers on plantations to create new lives and own some of the lands they had worked on. They leave behind them a legacy rich in flora and horticulture, which we are proud to exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show. Almost every family home in Trinidad and Tobago has a garden area be it a large ground, kitchen garden or window box.”

For holidaymakers who admire flora and fauna the islands of Trinidad and Tobago are a complete paradise with their rainforests, bird reserves and wildlife parks.