Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris Says The T.h.a. Is Committed To Working With The Tobago Mas Bandleaders Towards Developing Products For Both The National And Tobago Carnivals.
Scarborough, Tobago – February 8th, 2024 – Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, addressed the frustrations recently expressed by Tobago’s mas fraternity. She explained that some of these issues were a result of miscommunication, an issue she is committed to rectifying.
Regarding persistent budgeting concerns for Carnival, Burris clarified that the twenty-million-dollar budget allocated by the Tobago Festivals Commission for the fiscal year encompasses not only Carnival but also other significant events such as the Tobago Heritage Festival, the Blue Food Festival, and more. Crucially, she highlighted that the Tobago Festivals Commission does not receive financial support from the National Carnival Commission (NCC), a matter that Secretary Burris stated she needs to address in direct conversation with the NCC.
Her comments underscore the financial realities and operational challenges faced by Tobago in staging its cultural events, distinct from national allocations provided to Trinidad. This clarification aims to provide transparency regarding the funding landscape for Tobago’s vibrant festival calendar.
