PAN
One
of the most important components of our Carnival is the
steelpan. Vigorous rehearsals are now underway at 30
panyards across the country, in preparation for Panorama
finals on Saturday, February 13th, 2010. It is essential
that patrons get their tickets early because a sell-out
crowd is expected. Some areas have already sold out.
It is also opportune to
recall that this year, Government invested in a total of one
hundred and forty eight (148) un-sponsored steelbands,
comprising sixty-four (64) Single Pan and eighty-four (84)
Conventional bands to the tune of $2.2 million. Small bands
from as far as Biche and Tamana have received assistance.
Single pan bands from Laventille to La Horquetta are now
engaging community youth in a meaningful way. For the
overall growth of the steelpan movement in 2010, Government
also proudly invested, through Pan Trinbago, $24 million in
steelbands, and by extension thousands of steel pannists.
An additional $1.5 million is being provided as a result of
the increase in the number of finalists in the small, medium
and large categories from eight (8) to ten (10). Also with
the support of the Tobago House of Assembly, an additional
$2.2 million is being allocated to facilitate the
preparation of the five (5) medium and one (1) large
steelband from Tobago in the finals of Panorama 2010. My
best wishes to all the finalists in the competition. You are
indeed all winners.
MAS
At the heart of what started
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is the Canboulay Riots of 1881.
This year, for the first time in the history of Carnival,
Government was pleased to decentralize the re-enactment for
the benefit of a wider cross-section of the people of
Trinidad and Tobago.
For the first time ever, the Re-enactment of the 1881
Camboulay Riots was held this morning (Thursday, February
11th, 2010) on Coffee Street, San Fernando, from 5:00 am. It
was a resounding success as southerners and visitors alike,
took full advantage of the opportunity to be part of this
historic event.
Tomorrow, for those who missed it, the Re-enactment of the
1881 Canboulay Riots will take place, as is customary, on
the Piccadilly Greens, Port of Spain from 5:00 am. The media
and the local and visiting public are encouraged to be
present at this annual event on the Carnival calendar.
In other mas news, the Senior Kings Semi-Finals and the
Junior Queens Finals and Conventional Individuals took place
smoothly last Tuesday night. The Senior Queens Semi-Finals
and the Junior Kings Finals and Conventional Individuals
will take place tomorrow, Friday, February 12th, 2010, from
7:00 pm. My congratulations to all participants and to those
moving forward to the finals on Dimanche Gras night. Without
fear of contradiction, I can say that on behalf of the
people of Trinidad and Tobago, we look forward to seeing
your display of innovation on the big stage, which, this
year, thanks to the NCC, is 30 feet wider.
In keeping with our Vision 2020 Developmental Pillar of
“developing an innovative people,” my Ministry was pleased
this year to invest over $8 million in the innovativeness of
the member bands of the National Carnival Band Association (NCBA),
and by extension, the thousands of masqueraders and mas
lovers of our country.
CALYPSO
It has also been a busy week for calypso. Various tents,
including many sponsored by my Ministry through the Trinbago
Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO), continue to spread
this important aspect of our culture. Last week Saturday,
the Calypso Fiesta held in Skinner’s Park was an enjoyable
affair, which saw fifteen (15) of the thirty-five (35)
semi-finalists advance to the Big Yard on Sunday at Dimanche
Gras. The Roving Chutney Tent carries on, as do the rapso
and regular calypso tents across the country.
Extempo finals are on tonight, (Thursday, February 11th,
2010) at the Queen’s Park Savannah. All is set for the 2010
Soca Monarch Competition tomorrow night, Fantastic Friday,
which will see two new Soca Monarchs being crowned. The
nation, with great anticipation, awaits the Calypso Monarch
finals on Dimanche Gras night at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
This year, Government, through TUCO, invested just over $8
million in the fine indigenous artform that we call calypso.
In pursuit of even greater excellence in Carnival, I am also
pleased to announce that this year Dimanche Gras will don a
new look. Without giving away the surprise, I advise the
national community to tune in on Sunday, February 14th from
5:45 pm for a show with cutting-edge leads in cultural
entertainment. A wonderful pre-show featuring the big band
Divine Echoes starts at 5:45 pm and is absolutely free for
ticket holders to the Dimanche Gras. The official starting
time for Dimanche Gras is 6:30 pm.
Tomorrow, Carnival Friday, (February 12th, 2010) my Ministry
will host our annual media event and final Carnival News
Conference, on the Queen’s Hall grounds where all of
Carnival’s stakeholders will be present.
Present will be the
leadership of the National Carnival Commission, Pan Trinbago,
TUCO, the NCBA, Caribbean Prestige Foundation,
representatives of the protective services, the Ministry of
Health and of course, the Office of Disaster Preparedness
and Management (ODPM).
The media is cordially invited to provide coverage.
SUMMATION
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Marlene McDonald,
Minister of Community Development, Culture and
Gender Affairs |
It is clear that all our stakeholders have acted responsibly
over several months to facilitate the country’s preparations
for Carnival 2010. It is now up to all our citizens to act
responsibly to ensure that our annual festival comes off
without mishap.
I must emphasize our role as our brother’s keeper in
ensuring that we welcome our visitors, make them feel safe,
and set a good example with regard to driving on the road
free from alcohol.
The commitment of my Ministry, and indeed, of the Government
to the development of our art and national culture cannot be
ignored. Citizens have benefited from various training
programs in various aspects of the arts; cultural
organizations have been receiving financial assistance to
implement viable projects; and state-of-the-art and upgraded
facilities are being provided for the performing arts.
In conclusion, I must state that in order to maintain our
leadership as the Home of Carnival, we must first
acknowledge that it is one of our country’s most unique
competitive advantages. We should therefore not hesitate to
make it a year-round industry. We have the best mas makers
in the world. We have the best steelbands in the world. We
have the best calypsonians in the world.
We have shaped over 100 carnivals around the world. And this
has all happened because we host the best Carnival in the
world. In 2010, we will again show the world why Trinidad
and Tobago is, and will continue to be, “the Home of
Carnival.”
On behalf of the Honorable Prime Minister and the Government
of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish all our stakeholders, local
and foreign spectators, masqueraders, steelpan lovers,
calypso, chutney and soca fans, and everyone listening
today, a happy, clean and safe Carnival 2010, right here in
Trinidad and Tobago - the Home of Carnival.
