Discussions held between Secretary Burris and Tobago Bandleaders Association Executive

Tuesday 6th February, Scarborough: The Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and
Transportation, Councillor Tashia Burris met with members of the Executive of the Tobago Mas
Bandleaders Association on Monday 5th February 2024 at the Division’s Head Office. The
objective of the meeting was to chart the best way forward for the bands for the National Carnival
season.

This year’s National Carnival in Tobago will see participation from Twenty (20) Junior Bands,
Eight (8) Senior Bands as well as Nineteen (19) Traditional Mas Bands over the period Saturday
10th- Tuesday 13th February 2024.

Present at the meeting representing the Tobago Mas Bandleaders Association were its Chairman
Ms. Dianne Mc Crimmon, Vice Chairman Sheldon Charles and Secretary Ms. Cindy Paul
Ramcharan. Representatives of the Tobago Festivals Commission were also present including
Chairman, Ms. Cindy Lou Edwards and Acting CEO Mrs. Janelle Drysdale-Job.

Several concerns were addressed during the meeting and all parties agreed to the decisions made
regarding the prize structure, the number and amounts of grants to be given to the bands, judging
points for Scarborough, transportation arrangements for the Kiddies Carnival in Roxborough and
the Tobago Mas Bandleaders sourcing their own personnel for the carnival period including
Judges, Marshalls and Runners.

Additionally, the Bandleaders’ concerns regarding the requirement for a business bank account
were also addressed and clarified as this is in keeping with the country’s Public Procurement
legislation. Assistance was offered for those who would require help with getting these accounts
open.

Subsequent to the meeting, Ms. Mc Crimmon expressed her satisfaction with the discussion stating
that “the conversation was very good and all issues have been resolved.” Secretary Burris also
expressed her satisfaction stating that she was pleased that the parties could have a conversation
and come to mutual agreement to the benefit of all involved.

The Carnival season has been ongoing with two successful major events held thus far including
the THA Interdepartment Carnival Competition and National Panorama Medium Conventional
Band Finals in conjunction with Pan Trinbago. The Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and
Transportation and by extension the Tobago House of Assembly remains committed to
supporting our culture and the stakeholders who make Carnival possible.