Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris Says the Tobago Rhythm & Soul Festival is Not a T.H.A. Event

Despite criticism from the Minority Council, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation, Tashia Burris is not disclosing the promoter involved in the Tobago Rhythm & Soul Festival. Speaking on the Good Morning Tobago show, she explained that the event, headlined by Buju Banton, is being facilitated by the Tobago Festivals Commission in partnership with a private promoter. Burris stated that a $9.3 million budget has been approved for the festival, funded by the THA. However, the profits will be shared between the Tobago Festivals Commission and the private promoter. As Tourism Secretary, she noted that her role is not to manage the festival commission’s operations but to provide oversight. Burris added that no one in the Executive Council will receive complimentary tickets for the show; instead, they must purchase tickets like all other patrons. The Tobago Rhythm & Soul Festival is scheduled for April 17th to 20th.