Despite the government of Trinidad and Tobago’s assurance on Wednesday that carnival-like activities will be allowed in safe-zone and concert type stagings in 2022, the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association has renewed its call for the government to reopen the events and entertainment sector quickly and safely.
In a statement issued, the private body which is non-government funded, says while it is aware of that the country and world is in a pandemic, and resulting limitations are understood, government needs to ensure that the “noise and dissonance that surrounds this complex issue is removed.”
Making it clear that Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is not on, the Promoters Association highlighted that events take place year-round and employment is generated by event producers year-round. President of the Association, Jerome ‘Rome’ Precilla said, ” 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. We need to re-open the sector quickly and safely.”
Stating that while government’s proposed, ‘Taste of Carnival’ offering for 2022 is an important intervention for the state’s Public Relations machine, Precilla said the move has absolutely no impact on the industry. The statement further reads, “As a nation we have missed the opportunity to activate ‘Carnival’ for 2022. The TTPA is not aligned with an agenda that only supports state funded events, at state owned venues a few short weeks before the traditional Ash Wednesday end of carnival date, with no sense of what happens thereafter. The TTPA is a private sector body using personal funds to generate employment and do business, we do not receive any state funding what so ever. We do not have the luxury of tax payer funds to prop us up. We have to be profitable to survive.”
CHANGE NEEDED
The statement goes on to highlight the association’s hope for change.
“We support and acknowledge the need for the state to continue investing in the traditional aspects of carnival/culture to ensure that we do not lose our heritage. We reiterate our complete support for this aspect of the role that the state plays in the cultural life blood of our country. But it is clear to all that the current model for state intervention needs to change. It is simply not working for the whole product. We reiterate our call for new systems and bodies that are fit for purpose and can assimilate the needs of the sector in 2022 and beyond.”
The TTPA says it is asking the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to state if Carnival 2023 is on. “We need to start planning now for a successful festival season next year and beyond,” the statement ended.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
Spice is nominated in 5 categories.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
Anson George
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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