The Brooklyn-based Trinidad and Tobago United Community Association, Inc. (TATUCA) says it is collaborating with its sponsors in hosting its 63rd Independence Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Aug. 17, at Antun’s, 96-43 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village, Queens.

The sponsors are Sati Roti Shop, Best Bites Restaurant & Bakery, Travelspan, and the Security Academy of New York.

TATUCA said on Friday, July 25, that the event marks the dual celebration of the 63rd Anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence and TATUCA’s 63rd year as a community-based organization.

TATUCA said, “This premier celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence in New York will be held under the patronage of Consul General J. Andre Laveau.”

It said the event will be hosted by the “multifaceted and talented singer, songwriter, and actress Charli Griffith.”

TATUCA said the program will include the presentation of awards to several distinguished nationals for their outstanding contributions to Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean-American community.

They include: Justice Ayesha Keri Brantley, Acting Supreme Court Judge, Nassau County; Dr. Malika Grayson, mechanical engineer and founder of STEMinist Empowered LLC; Helen Enile-Pereira, celebrated chef and entrepreneur; Dr. Sa-Rawla Stoute, assistant professor and community advocate; Thecla Williams, RN, BSN, past president, Trinidad and Tobago Nurses Association, Inc.; and Samraj Jaimungal, also known as Rikki Jai, renowned cultural artist and performer.

TATUCA said the celebration also features steelpan music by Lennox Phillip of Pan Ivory, followed by a short cultural program.

TATUCA, which was founded in the period leading up to Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence in August 1962, said the proceeds will be used to continue community work, including assisting young college students.

It said its formation aims to celebrate the attainment of independence and commemorate its anniversary annually.

Over the years, TATUCA said it gained recognition for promoting cultural activities in the Diaspora.

In its early years, TATUCA said it was affectionately referred to by supporters as “‘ The UN Boys’ because all members at the time – and until 1981 – were employed at the United Nations in New York.

“The name ‘TATUCA’ gradually emerged as members began to refer more formally to the association,” it said.

TATUCA said the 10 founding members included nine former Trinidad and Tobago police officers and one additional staff member, all originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

In 1968, TATUCA said it became the first organization to hire a home-based Trinidad and Tobago orchestra, Ron Berridge, to perform at events in New York.

In 1970, TATUCA said it “began the tradition of honoring outstanding Trinidad and Tobago nationals at its Annual Independence Ball, a custom that continues today.”

Furthering its commitment to education, TATUCA introduced a scholarship award program in 1986 to financially assist young adults attending college.

For more information, contact TATUCA at 516-590-6483 or email tatuca103@gmail.com.