With just a few weeks to Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, the excitement is steadily building. A more settled outlook on geo-politics and its potential to affect the country at this time, the population at home in Trinidad and Tobago have begun engaging in the annual ritual that is Carnival.

Last weekend, the Queen’s Park Savannah’s brand new ‘FLAVA’ spot – dubbed, a culinary experience, was open for business. Transformed to the benefit of the street vendors who are usually aligned along what’s commonly known as ‘the drag, The FLAVA Village has been outfitted with a beautified ambience, bringing a notable Caribbean flair to the Savannah aesthetic.

Ease of entry from the Eastern side of the Queen’s Park Savannah, now affords motorists the option to enter the ‘drag’ area and proceed toward the usual parking area. Entertainment and scrumptious tastes of Trinidad and Tobago await patrons within the FLAVA Village. Some 70 booths have already been allocated and according to the Minister of Culture and Arts, Michelle Benjamin, 170 booths can be accommodated within the space. The Village also boasts live entertainment. Last week Saturday, several entertainers graced the stage, among them, veteran Calypsonian Sugar Aloes, Chutney Soca artiste, G.I, Wadicks and GBM Nutron.

Clearly considerate of the concept of family entertainment, the FLAVA Village combines kid-friendly fun with appropriate entertainment for adults. Bouncy castles are an added feature to the space and there’s also craft shops included in the layout. Pleasantly surprised, one person told Ebuzztt that he had left Arima with his wife to come to Port-of-Spain for food at the Savannah and was surprised to see what the space had been transformed into. His wife said, “We’ll definitely be coming back and we’ll bring our daughter next time.”

The FLAVA village is open throughout the week from 4pm and closes at 1am. The space will remain open through April.

Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream and founder Lars Soderstrom, were recently named “Entrepreneurs of the Year” at the prestigious Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and Industry Champions of Business Awards. The company was recognized for its innovative spirit, tremendous growth, strong commercial performance, and the noticeable mark it has made in the wine and spirits industry since its inception.

Just three years after being created in a kitchen in Arnos Vale, Tobago, Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream has penetrated 18 markets across the globe, and as of October 2023, won 22 international awards.

The product was inspired by the over 500-year tradition of cocoa tea in the Caribbean. Company Founder and CEO Lars Söderström – a certified chocolate maker – put his own spin on the classic recipe and created a chocolate rum cream liqueur flavoured with high-quality cocoa, 100% Caribbean rum, and Caribbean spice flavours.

The award was presented to Mr. Söderstrom at the Chamber’s official ceremony held at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Port of Spain, Trinidad. With over 500 high-profile guests in attendance inclusive of other awardees, sponsors and major brands, Lars shared, “We are deeply honoured to receive this award. Our goal has always been to produce an unparalleled product that celebrates the flavours of the Caribbean. To be recognized as “Entrepreneurs of the Year” is extremely humbling and validates the hard work of our entire team.”

Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream credits its rapid growth and success to its commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, its innovative flavour profiles, as well as the contribution of its highly accomplished advisory committee, partners, prolific management team of experts and the entire staff body who have lent themselves to the development, evolution and continued success of the brand.
“The future is bright for Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream,” said Söderström, adding, “We look forward to introducing new flavours, expanding into additional markets, and continuing to put Tobago on the map as a source of world-class craft spirits. We hope to be an inspiration to other budding entrepreneurs and as a small start-up with global success, this win should show you that it is possible. Thank you again to the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this incredible recognition,” he concluded.