By: Staff Writer
January 28, 2022
Carnival 2022 is happening in Trinidad and Tobago however not all entertainers and promotors are not for it citing obvious safety concerns.
This year’s Carnival will have no fetes, which will feel odd. However, policy makers can no longer hold back the spirit of the country due to COVID-19 concerns.
Revellers, culture enthusiasts and tourists alike will also have to be vaccinated against Covid-19, as only those who are fully vaccinated will get what the Government is calling a “Taste of Carnival” this year.
Following a Carnival working group meeting yesterday hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and including members of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders, it was determined that Carnival events will be on a limited basis and fall within the current “safe zone” and public health regulations.
In 2021 Trinidad tried the Virtual Carnival, but clearly it could not replace the real, live version of a street Carnival with revelry and fetes.
Not everyone agrees with putting on a Carnival this year however, especially promoters and artists and despite the failed virtual Carnival. The TT Promoters Association is dismissing the announcement by the government of a safe-zone Carnival which specifically excludes parties, fetes and other similar gatherings.
In a statement on Thursday in response to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s statement on Wednesday, the association said the so-called Taste of Carnival has absolutely no effect on its industry, but is an “important intervention for the state public relations machine.”
“The (newspaper) headline reading ‘Carnival is On’ is misleading and it has caused tremendous confusion for stakeholders. As a nation we have missed the opportunity to activate ‘Carnival’ for 2022.”
The association said as far as it is concerned, the events sector is still closed as it has been for two years.
“Events happen year-round, employment is generated by event producers year-round. Events are not just fetes, they are also sporting events, corporate events, ceremonial events, conferences, political events, meetings and so on.
“The event sector stimulates the economy. Revenue streams reach stakeholders year-round, event production is a vital part of the economy.”
The association said its members use personal funds to generate employment and do business.
“We do not receive any state funding whatsoever (and) do not have the luxury of taxpayer funds to prop us up. We have to be profitable to survive.”