Carnival
Discussions held between Secretary Burris and Tobago Bandleaders Association Executive
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.
Scarborough, Tobago – February 6th, 2024 – A crucial meeting between Councillor Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, and the Executive of the Tobago Mas Bandleaders Association took place on Monday, February 5th, 2024, at the Division’s Head Office. The objective was to chart the best way forward for mas bands participating in the National Carnival season in Tobago.
This year’s National Carnival in Tobago (February 10th – 13th, 2024) saw participation from twenty (20) Junior Bands, eight (8) Senior Bands, and nineteen (19) Traditional Mas Bands.
The meeting saw key representatives from the Tobago Mas Bandleaders Association, including Chairman Ms. Dianne McCrimmon, Vice Chairman Sheldon Charles, and Secretary Ms. Cindy Paul Ramcharan. Also present were Chairman of the Tobago Festivals Commission, Ms. Cindy Lou Edwards, and Acting CEO Mrs. Janelle Drysdale-Job.
Several concerns were addressed during the productive discussions, leading to mutual agreement on key decisions. These included:
- The prize structure and the number and amounts of grants to be allocated to the bands.
- Judging points for Scarborough performances.
- Transportation arrangements for the Kiddies Carnival in Roxborough.
- Tobago Mas Bandleaders sourcing their own personnel for the Carnival period, including judges, marshals, and runners.
Additionally, bandleaders’ concerns regarding the requirement for a business bank account were clarified, emphasizing its alignment with the country’s Public Procurement legislation. Assistance was also offered to those needing help with opening these accounts.
Following the meeting, Ms. McCrimmon expressed her satisfaction, stating, “the conversation was very good and all issues have been resolved.” Secretary Burris also conveyed her pleasure, highlighting her contentment that parties could engage in dialogue and reach a mutual agreement benefiting all involved.
The Carnival season had already seen successful major events like the THA Inter-department Carnival Competition and the 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 Tobago’s vibrant culture and the stakeholders who make Carnival possible.
