WILLIAM TINNING
June 29 2006
The Herald
Their participation in the World Cup captured the imaginations of thousands of Scots across the country.
Now the government of Trinidad and Tobago wants to thank the people of Scotland for their "unwavering support" for the team by staging two events in Edinburgh and Glasgow featuring musicians from the Caribbean islands.
With Scotland failing to qualify for the World Cup the Tartan Army got behind Trinidad and Tobago in their game against group opponents England.
Jack McConnell, the First Minister, also controversially supported the so-called Soca Warriors against the Auld Enemy.
The support north of the Border for Trinidad and Tobago was due mainly to the fact that several of their players ply their trade in the Scottish leagues, including the aptly named Jason Scotland.
Trinidad and Tobago flags and bunting were put up at pubs and bars across Scotland in support of the team.
Even a CD - Scotland at the World Cup - in tribute to the St Johnstone player, was released.
A spokesman for Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, said: "Having bowed out gracefully from the World Cup, the Soca Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago' football squad, has helped to put the tiny Caribbean islands well and truly on the map.
"The government of Trinidad and Tobago would like to thank the people of Scotland for their unwavering support and has planned two events in Glasgow and Edinburgh featuring live entertainment by well-known musicians from Trinidad and Tobago as a special thank you."
The events, to be held in Glasgow's George Square and Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens on July 15 and 16 respectively, will feature the six-piece Soca, calypso and reggae band - Flame, limbo dancers, cultural dancers, and SW Storm.
An official T&T after World Cup party is also planned at the Corinthian nightclub in Glasgow on the Saturday from 7pm, where free glasses of rum punch will be available for the first 300 customers.
It is hoped that Falkirk players Russell Latapy and Denzil Theobald, and Jason Scotland, will attend the events.