National Carnival Commission (NCC) prepares for Carnival 2015
The National Ebola Prevention, Information and Response Strategy Team (NEPIRT) will consider all available options and we as responsible citizens must exercise good judgment and making informed decisions which should be devoid of all emotions". These were the sentiments expressed by Senator the Honourable Gary Griffith, Minister of National Security, as he addressed a stakeholders meeting, hosted by the National Carnival Commission (NCC) at the Queens' Park Savannah on Wednesday October 29, 2014.
The National Security Minister, with responsibility for Immigration matters, reassured the carnival industry related stakeholders that Trinidad and Tobago, has been assessed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to be a low risk environment for infection, therefore we are encouraged to remain calm.
Also addressing stakeholders were Dr. the Honourable Lincoln Douglas, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Vice Chief of the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force and Chairman of the NEPIRT, Allison Demas, Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Clive Tilluckdharry, Principal Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, Country Representative of the WHO and PAHO.
Dr. Lincoln Douglas reiterated that while he understood the concerns of citizens and carnival stakeholders, he is encouraged by the assurances and the work of NEPIRT in mitigating and minimizing the risk of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) reaching our shores. Further, Minister Douglas, noted that the Ministry will continue to be guided by the Ministry of Health and the NEPIRT on this matter and will take proactive steps to ensure that informed decisions are made for the benefit of all.
Similarly, Ms Allison Demas reiterated that the NCC will continue to seek the interest and make representation for and on behalf of carnival stakeholders, while continuing to keep abreast of and collaborate with the health organisations and other government agencies as necessary. Ms Demas also noted that the NCC is proceedings with plans for Carnival 2015 and have already met with several stakeholders on a number of matters.
Even as Trinidad and Tobago has been assessed as a low risk for contracting EVD, the NEPIRT team has provided strategic leadership and vision engaging in critical success requirements, such as an integration of effort, an intelligent approach and intensive engagements along with an information campaign strategy to educate the public on the EVD. The WHO and PAHO have also indicated their support for the efforts on this country.
The stakeholders meeting comprised members of the Special Interest Groups, mas band organisations and leaders, carnival fete promoters, Mayors and Chairmen of the Borough and Regional Corporations, Permanent Secretaries, business and private sector, members of civil society, vendors, media representatives and academics.
