Ebuzz News
Promoters in T&T Now Forced to Find Alternate Feting Venues As Stadium Restrictions Widen.
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.
SuperBlue at Machel Monday.
PHOTO: Jermaine Cruickshank.
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.
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
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.
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.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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 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.
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.
