CANCELLATION OF JUNIOR PARADE OF THE BANDS IN SCARBOROUGH FOR NATIONAL CARNIVAL 2024

Scarborough, Tobago – February 9th, 2024 – The Tobago Festivals Commission Limited officially announced today the cancellation of the Junior Parade of the Bands scheduled for Saturday, February 10th, 2024, in Scarborough. This difficult decision was made as a crucial health and safety precaution following the recent oil spill off the coast of Canoe Bay.

The decision came after a high-level meeting involving officials from TEMA (Tobago Emergency Management Agency), Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith B. Yisrael, and the Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection. The ongoing oil spill clean-up efforts, led by TEMA, presented unacceptable health risks, particularly for children and spectators, prompting the cancellation.

However, the Commission confirmed that the Junior Parade of the Bands scheduled for Sunday, February 11th, 2024, in Roxborough, would still take place as scheduled. Furthermore, all bands originally slated to appear in Scarborough on Saturday would be accommodated in Roxborough, ensuring that the young masqueraders still had an opportunity to participate in Carnival 2024.

The oil spill, which began earlier this week, continues to be addressed, with its completion date still unconfirmed. The Tobago Festivals Commission urged the public to stay tuned to their social media pages and website (www.tobagofestivalscommission.com) for all updated information on National Carnival celebrations in Tobago.