PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, October 6, 2026: The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) officially launched its Vendor Excellence & Sustainability Training (VEST) Programme, aimed at equipping food and beverage vendors and craft vendors with the knowledge, skills and professional tools needed to strengthen their businesses and prepare for greater vending opportunities during Carnival 2027 and beyond.
The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the NCC VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, bringing together participating vendors, government officials, NCC representatives, and other key stakeholders in support of the initiative.
Designed as a practical business development programme, VEST forms part of the NCC’s efforts to foster a more professional, sustainable, and visitor-friendly Carnival ecosystem.
In placing emphasis on equipping vendors with hands-on approaches to operating safely and professionally, the VEST programme is intended to help vendors enhance their operations, improve customer experience, and contribute to the overall quality and professionalism of the Carnival environment.
Throughout its month-long run, participants will receive training in key areas of business development and vendor excellence, including:
- Business Operations and Financial Management
- Event Operations, Customer Service & Hospitality
- Tourism & Visitor Experience
- Branding & Marketing
- Health & Safety
- Business Growth & Professionalism
In his welcome address, NCC Chairman, Peter Kanhai, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working with vendors to strengthen the Carnival industry, noting that VEST is intended to encourage vendors to view their participation in Carnival not only as an opportunity to generate income, but also as an avenue for long-term business growth, professional development, and sustainability.
“VEST is about building stronger businesses,” Kanhai said.
“It is about working together to ensure that you are more informed, professional, and better prepared for opportunities. It is about helping you take your businesses to the next level and creating more sustainable and viable futures for yourselves, your families, and your communities,” he added.
Also sharing welcome words of encouragement and support at Tuesday’s launch were feature speakers Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development; Dr. Jeanine St. Bernard, Chief Medical Officer (Ag.), Ministry of Health; and Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
Tuesday’s session, hosted exclusively for food and beverage vendors, featured two interactive half-day sessions on food safety and care by VEST programme partner and facilitator, CARPHA.
Following the launch, VEST training sessions will continue throughout October, bringing together vendors from across Trinidad and Tobago in preparation for Carnival 2027 and beyond.
The NCC acknowledges the support of its stakeholders, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, the Ministry of Health, CARPHA, and participating vendors in advancing the objectives of the VEST Programme and looks forward to continued collaboration towards a stronger, more professional and sustainable Carnival vending sector.
