SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Azad and Karla Ali catered the traditional island food for the

50th anniversary celebration of independence for the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago Friday at the Bayfront YMCA in Punta Gorda. "It only happens once in a lifetime," says Ali, "so I thought we should celebrate it."

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Alpha Bernard and Carol Reid are fashionable and festive for

the occasion at the Independence Day celebration event held at the Bayfront YMCA Saturday evening in Punta Gorda.

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Alzie Lee and Senior Lee are in the mood for dancing and

celebrating.

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Sylbert Jackson-Smith twirls his wife Susanne on the dance

floor. Sylbert is originally from Trinidad. Several friends joined he and his wife in their celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's 50th year of independence.

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Grace Nurse grooves to the island music.

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Cheri Bauer and friend Sylbert Jackson-Smith sway to

Caribbean music played by D.J.s, Luigi and Henri Agarrat.

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Carol Reid, originally from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Reggie Bowen and Carlotta Piper, who moved from Panama to the United States more than 40 years ago, all came to join in the celebration.

SUN PHOTO BY LINDA HUGHES

Helen Jackson, originally from Panama, and Shirley Thomas, from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, celebrate the Independence Day of Trinidad and Tobago.