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The NCC Clarifies its Position on the Parade Routeand Other Matters

January 23, 2014: The National Carnival Commission would like to respond to Trinidad Guardian’s editorial dated January 22.

In summary, we believe there are other elements that were not sufficiently discussed and we would like to use this opportunity to expand on them:

 

  1. The Alternative Route: While we are determined to get the alternative route in gear for Carnival 2014 for the benefit of masqueraders and spectators, we are still waiting on the TTPS to accept, action and manage. That is the only way we can proceed. In preparing the new route, a main concern is the trucks that accompany the Carnival bands, since they are one of the major causes ofcongestion for masqueraders. But that leaves the route organisers between a rock and hard place – because these trucks, as cumbersome as they are, are essential for mas players and we cannot discount the value these vehicles provide. Solutions must continue to be sought in that regard.
  2. Bandleaders’ participation: Progress cannot be made without the co-operation of the bandleaders. In January 2013, NCC engaged C& H Associates to consider an alternative route. Since then, bandleaders - regardless of affiliation with the NCBA, National Carnival Development Foundation and TT Carnival Bands Association - were given the opportunity to discuss its feasibility. It was only until the beginning of January 2014, one year later, that the engineers received the data required. There was a noted reluctance on bandleaders' part to contribute. Ironically, while some bandleaders have been very vocal in their criticism about the alternative route, we are yet to receive their solutions.
  3. Communication with bandleaders about the new route: Suffice it to say, bandleaders were contacted. The NCBA did takesteps to communicate with them. However, the NCBA can only do so much and the NCChas been taking up the slack to facilitate outreach.
  4. Continued outreach and dialogue: Outreach to bandleaders continues, as per the NCBA’s Parade of the Bands Committee meetings between the bandleaders and C&H Associations,which was hosted by the NCC and held at the VIP Lounge of the Queen’s Park Savannah on January 8 & 16, 2014. One-on-one discussions have also been scheduled to give bandleaders a final opportunity to discuss their concerns about the alternative route.
  5. Carnival, next generation: The NCC also acknowledges the growing trend of entrepreneurship and independent business development that have given rise to the concept that Carnival is more than a festival but an industry that generates employment, income and profit. Indeed, one of the NCC’s key strategic goals which was informed by three stakeholder consultations held shortly after Carnival 2013 and identified in NCC’s new Strategic Plan 2013 to 2017is to transform its focus on responsibility for Carnival “the event” to Carnival “the industry”. Towards that end the NCC, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago,now intends to measure the full potential of Carnival in a way that allows the country to make the most effective policy for its development. It will promote, among others:
    •  Economic benefits – general goodwill; wealth creation; intellectual property rights; bigger and more profitable industries; employment; foreign exchange earnings; private sector development.
    •  Social benefits – self-esteem; social integration; leadership skill development; physical health and healthy habits; education and learning; volunteerism and community spirit; dedication; spread of the carnival work ethic.
    •  Governance benefits – piloting significant steps to the enhancement of the democratic process in T&T through enhanced and effective public participation is shaping industry policy.
  6. In the meantime, NCC continues to push ahead with the production of Carnival 2014. We are also concentrating on other events, such as the return of the Calypso Monarch Finals on Dimanche Gras night, the re-enactment of the Camboulay Riots on Carnival Friday, the revival of traditional mas through the Regional Carnival Committees. And so far, these seem to be on track. The launch of the Regional Carnivals earlier this month at Edinburgh 500 was well received and we look forward to ensuring these and other elements of Carnival are produced well. We will also be celebrating “100 Years of Vocal Calypso Recordings” and 100 years since the first recording of East Indian music.