$2M for Tobago Carnival stakeholders

Tobago Correspondent

Two million dollars has been allocated to stakeholders for the upcoming Tobago Carnival, which will take place from October 25-27.

Speaking at a post-Executive Council media briefing yesterday, THA Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Niall George explained that they had to wait on releases, as well as ensure proper procurement procedures were followed before coming out with a final budget. He said this took some time, causing a delay.

With less than two weeks before the island’s third Carnival celebration, George said the assembly would meet all its financial obligations.

He said, “Our intent is to have a cheque distribution on Monday so they start accessing the funds and rolling out their stuff.

“We would have liked to release the budget earlier but due to procurement laws, we cannot distribute monies without having the allocation to pay them. We are working to pay out bills on time…the budget had to be finalised based on the national budget and our allocation coming in. And so, we arrived at a final figure of $9 million.”

George said the island is ready to welcome thousands in the coming days but worries the limited airbridge seats will not meet the demands.

In a slight change to the calendar of events, George said instead of a mud festival on Saturday, the event has been pushed back to Friday night in Scarborough.

George said this was to the benefit of the Carnival.

He said this event will usher in the island’s J’Ouvert celebrations on Saturday morning.

“We are asking everyone that will be taking part to have a safe but enjoyable festival. One of the main features of the Carnival is safety. We have had security meetings with stakeholders and they said plans are on the way and they will keep the reputation of the safest Carnival.”

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