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.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.
Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.
Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.”
Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.
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