RE: EBOLA VIRUS AND CARNIVAL 2015

The deadly ebola virus which has ravaged several countries in West Africa and already claimed the life of one person in the United States and infected many others in Spain and Australia have rightly so, created concern and panic amongst the population of Trinidad and Tobago. Carnival 2015 was launched earlier this year and all our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and stakeholders have begun preparations for staging of the festival.

Moreover, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) is reassured by the Ministry of Health's proactive approach in preparing to deal with this situation, should it unfortunately reach our shores. However, the NCC in the coming days will meet with the Ministry of Health to understand their approach in handling this global epidemic. The NCC is a major stakeholder and partner in Carnival, both from a public health and disaster preparedness perspective and we are prepared to go the distance to ensure that Carnival 2015 is celebrated in a risk free environment.

As the agency charged with the responsibility of presenting and managing Carnival activities held under the aegis of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, we have taken an active role and will work alongside our partners to spare no effort in ensuring that Ebola does not reach our shores or that if it does, it is contained.

The NCC wishes to reassure the public that we are working closely with all our stakeholders and will provide timely updates as it relates to the preparation of Carnival 2015.

Should you require additional information, please feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 622-4800 or Mr. Kevon Gervais, Manager, Corporate Communications at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 622-1670 ext. 409.

We offer our prayer to those affected by this virus.

Sincerely,

Allison Demas
Chairman