Tobago police promise safe Tobago Carnival

Tobago police have vowed to keep a close eye on revellers to ensure they are safe and an even closer eye on repeat criminal offenders, as the island gears up for next month’s October Carnival.

During a joint media conference at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex yesterday, which involved the police, Tobago Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Management Agency, bandleaders and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) yesterday, police assured the public that the island was safe despite a record 21 murders this year.

ACP Collis Hazel said serious crime was down and noted that plans to keep a close watch on repeat offenders this Carnival were being finalised.

“To those persons at this point who are still trying to make up their mind, Tobago is safe,” Hazel said.

However, he conceded, “Yes we have had some challenges with our shooting and wounding which has resulted in murder. However, our serious crimes are still down.”

But even amidst concerns of crime, there are double the number of bands registered for the Carnival this year, with many already 90 per cent sold out.

Tobago October Carnival president Dexter Sandy said, “We are seeing in excess of 30 bands for the J’Ouvert—ten for night mas and just over 21 for contemporary and traditional mas.”

However, with record participation from bands and stakeholders promising an unforgettable event, the THA is yet to say what the festival’s budget will be.

Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, Niall George, refused to give an estimate. He insisted on waiting on the final figure before sharing the budget with the public.

He said, “I don’t want to put my foot in my mouth where that is concerned so I would want to get it correct as soon as there is an accurate figure I can release it certainly will be released.”

In 2023, Tobago’s 2023 Carnival was hosted at a cost of $12 million. In 2022, the THA budgeted $17 million for the event.

Despite the extra flights and sailings provided by Caribbean Airlines and the Port Authority of T&T, George revealed that seats were nearly sold out.

Newly-appointed Festival Commissioner Kern Cowan also predicted a bumper Carnival season.

“We are in the mode still of working through our kinks to make sure everything is prepared in totality.

“The routes, the clusters, the visitors’ locations and viewing points. We are also in final conversation with our sponsors,” he said.

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