Trinidad and Tobago's new High Commissioner to the UK has been keeping himself busy, meeting nationals and getting his feet wet on the diplomatic circuit.
On Saturday he attended the 23rd annual concert and awards ceremony of the BT Melodians, which he described as "exceptional, moving, passionate and a visual and auditory thrill!”
In a speech, Nicholas said the evening's performance was a sterling example of the excellence "you have come to expect of BT Melodians".
He said he is just getting to know the famous British based pan orchestra, having been introduced to the group only recently during the visit to London by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. That first impression, he said, was a lasting one.
"There is nothing that is able to tug at the heart strings of a true, true Trinbagonian as the stirring sounds of a steelpan orchestra, unless of course we start to talk about calypso and soca, but that is another story," Nicholas said.
"Yet, even as “a born trini”, I remain captivated by the versatility of this instrument that was created amidst the poverty and struggle of the barrack yards of 1950’s Trinidad," the diplomat added.
Nicholas said he was deeply honoured to be invited to the ceremony and commended the organizers on a job well-done.
He also pledged his support for functions that pay tribute "to the efforts of our young people and highlight their accomplishments, in an era where it is increasingly difficult to withstand negative peer pressure and other harmful influences."
He commended those who received awards for their hard work and urged those who did not receive an award to set high goals so they would be justly rewarded in the future.
He also recognised the commitment and dedication of the orchestra's leader, Terry Noel, describing him as an ambassador for promoting steel pan music worldwide.
"I understand that BT Melodians has toured countries as diverse as North Korea and Russia, taking the instrument that originated in a small Caribbean island to communities across the globe," Nicholas said.
He said his role of Trinidad and Tobago's new High Commissioner to the UK is partly that of an initiator and a facilitator. "I want to create and stimulate deeper linkages among Trinidad and Tobago citizens resident in the UK; UK citizens with T&T origins; UK nationals and the citizens and residents of Trinidad and Tobago," he told the audience.
"The work that is being done by Terry and so many others like him underscores this purpose. Whether in the field of culture, business, the professions or the exchange of technology and information; there is much to learn from each other...
"We are all embraced by the cultural heritage of my country and I encourage the performers of BT Melodians to continue your outstanding representation and promotion of steelpan music," he said.
Nicholas also congratulated the Orchestra on its success in being selected as one of the six music groups for the “Adopt a Composer Scheme” for 2011.
"I know this is a prestigious project which will inevitably allow BT Melodians to work and benefit from the ideas of a new composer, while allowing the composer to gain a better idea of the skill and potential of your Orchestra," he said.
His speech coincided with a concert in Port of Spain by the Melodians Steel Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago titled “Christmas with Steelpan and Calypso” organised by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism.
"So you share the world space with your parent Orchestra tonight! And might I say again, you have done them proud!" he declared.
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