Trinidad and Tobago’s annual carnival celebrations, today faces critical attention on the heels of an immediate ban imposed on the use of the Hasley Crawford Stadium as a fete venue.

This announcement, made by the country’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad Bissessar, comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be available to fete promoters.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar, in a social media post, explained that exceptions would be granted only for events being staged between Carnival Thursday and, through the Saturday following Carnival Monday and Tuesday. She noted that all fetes and parties booked at Ministry of Sport facilities must begin no earlier than 12 noon, and must end promptly at 10pm. Further to these stipulations, the government has directed the National Carnival Commission to engage suitably qualified acoustic engineers to properly design sound systems at their venues to ensure that noise and vibrations from events hosted, are minimal to neighboring communities.

The Prime Minister says her government’s aim, moving forward, is to balance culture and community well-being , protecting traditions while safeguarding the peace of all citizens. “Together we will build a more respectful, responsible, and harmonious Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar wrote.

Alternate Venues?

Over the years, Trinidad and Tobago’s fete landscape has developed significantly, with numerous fetes being hosted throughout the season. Shorter seasons like the upcoming 2026 Carnival season, are likely to see several events hosted on one day, offering patrons variety. As a direct result however, venue options have become a hot topic. The Queen’s Park Savannah, one of the most feasible locations in the Capital for large scale events, has hosted most major fetes and concerts in Trinidad and Tobago, over the years. Some however argue that decentralizing carnival to allow for the inclusion of patrons further South, is necessary.

In the past, the Hasley Crawford Stadium had been the venue of choice for events like Machel Montano’s signature Machel Monday event. The Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain has also been an option for mega events. Further West, Chaguaramas, though viewed as a traffic nightmare for motorists, carnival fetes have been hosted at O2 Park and The Anchorage, Pier II, and most recently, events have been held at Five Islands Water Park.

In North Trinidad, event promoters have, in recent years, hosted major events at privately owned spaces at Undercover Grounds, Drew Manor and Gasparillo, Santa Cruz. Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain has also offered its outdoor space for Carnival fetes and major events like Private Ryan’s Soca Brainwash, have utilized School sporting fields like CIC Grounds, QRC Grounds and even Fatima Grounds, over the years.

Lamenting the lack of suitable facilities, the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association, in response to the initial ban on the Brian Lara Cricket academy, said, “The removal of venues from the already limited pool has left more than twenty of the largest carnival events without a home and with far too few options to accommodate large-scale productions.” The group noted that while concerns about noise pollution are valid, decisions made must be balanced against economic activity and and stimulation.