The Trinidad and Tobago Horticultural Society presented yet another prize-winning presentation at the world renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the United Kingdom for their 2013 display – “Colour Me T&T” on May 20th 2013. The Show concluded on Saturday 25th May.

This result represented the sixteenth Gold that the Trinidad and Tobago Horticultural Society has received. Gold Medals are awarded only to exhibits of outstanding and consistent excellence. This year’s gold medal was awarded in the Grenfell range.

Founded in 1913, the Chelsea Flower Show is globally recognised as the premier event of its kind. Gardeners spend close to one month creating the most imaginative horticultural designs over an eleven acre site in Chelsea’s Royal Hospital Gardens.

Trinidad and Tobago’s presentation was on par with the best in the world, with a vibrant display of exotic flowers such as anthuriums and ginger lilies as well as local produce including mangoes and cocoa pods. The concept of the display was inspired by the landscape artwork of Jean Michael Cazabon, who is widely regarded as the first great Trinidadian painter. The exhibit was a depiction of a work of art within a picture frame, incorporating themes from Trinidad and Tobago’s history to our present. The formation of an African drum on one side with the steelpan on the other illustrated the evolution of our people and our art form.

This is the first time such a large contingent from Trinidad and Tobago has travelled to the UK to compete in the Chelsea Flower Show. The delegation was comprised of members of the Horticultural Society, including new designer Mr. Bernard Beckles, Ms. Eualalie Brewster, Theresa Chasteau and Anthony Tang Kai, one of the stalwarts of the competition. Trinidad and Tobago was also represented by Ms. Patricia Maharaj and Mr. Alfonso Roper, both of the Ministry of Food Production.

Representatives of the High Commission for Trinidad and Tobago to the United Kingdom, including Tourism Attaché, Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, were at hand to congratulate the winning delegation. The fantastic display of talent was lauded by many visitors to the stand, all of whom were given tourism brochures by the High Commission staff, and invited to visit Trinidad and Tobago to personally explore its beauty and unique culture. Remarked Mr. Tang Kai, “It was important to us to promote not only our booth at this event, but Trinidad and Tobago as a tourist destination”.

On Monday 27th May, His Excellency Garvin Nicholas will be hosting a reception at his private residence to celebrate the achievement of the gold winning delegation. Nicholas described the win as a prime example of the creativity and innovation of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. He remarked, “The talent and artistry of our nationals are world class. I am pleased that this has been evidenced on such a widely competitive platform as the Chelsea Flower Show”.