NCC Hosts Carnival 2015 Review
Port of Spain, Trinidad, March 9, 2015: The National Carnival Commission (NCC) hosted over 75 Carnival stakeholders from a wide range of interest groups, including bandleaders, traditional mas makers, association representatives, university students, and members of the public at its Carnival 2015 review meeting at the NCC’s VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday March 8.
The 3-hour long review meeting brought stakeholders face-to-face with presiding Carnival associations and leaders, which included head panel members: the Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism, Dr. The Honourable Lincoln Douglas, NCC Chair, Lorraine Pouchet, and NCC Deputy Chair, Don Sylvester.
The discussions were generally frank, and at times animated, as several participants expressed concerns over existing judging criteria, the outsourcing of Carnival costume production, and the need to preserve and respect traditional mas presentations on the Big Stage. However, many seized the opportunity to share their overall satisfaction with how well Carnival had been run this year.
Participants discussed a variety of topics including the Parade of the Bands routes, ways to preserve traditional mas and character portrayals, improvements to the Dimanche Gras show, the Panorama competition (Semis and Finals), Children’s Carnival, and Regional Carnival Celebrations.
As Pouchet thanked participants for their contributions, she also shared some of the proposed objectives that the Commission plans to move forward with as it maintains tighter control of the organisation of Carnival ahead of the commemoration of its 25th Anniversary in 2016.
She expressed the Commission’s solemn recommitment to adhere closely to the official mandate as outlined by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Mandate of the National Carnival Commission, as set out in Chap 42:01 Act No. 9 of 91 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago, is as follows:
- To make Carnival a viable national, cultural and commercial enterprise
- To provide the necessary managerial and organisational infrastructure
- To establish arrangements for ongoing research, the preservation and permanent display of the annual accumulation of Carnival products
Pouchet also said that, as part of the NCC’s proposed initiative of increased stakeholder consultations on projects, it will be adopting a more inclusive approach to Carnival planning, which would help better address many concerns and lead to greater idea generation.
“While there were more successful initiatives and results noted this year, we know that there is always room for improvement when it comes to Carnival. Today’s forum discussion will allow us, in the spirit of mutualism, to flesh out these areas for improvement,” Pouchet added.
Several participants expressed their gratitude at NCC’s recommitment to improving the Carnival through increased stakeholder participation.
Pouchet indicated that the NCC will begin Carnival 2016 planning as of April, and invited all participants, as well as members of the public to submit their recommendations and concerns to the NCC via the official email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to visit their website at www.ncctt.org.
