Caption: Patrons at a CPL game at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba this year
By Alicia Chamely
CARNIVAL is not a nuisance, it is a national industry that cannot survive unexplained decisions handed down without warning, says the People’s National Movement (PNM).
The PNM is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explain her recent decision to ban fetes at the Brain Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Jean Pierre Complex, Woodbrook.
In a media release on Thursday the party stated, “The PNM calls on the Prime Minister to immediately provide full details of the new restrictions.”
“Explain what consultation took place, outline how the thousands of affected workers and businesses will be protected and engage stakeholders in a transparent, respectful and solutions driven discussion,” the party stated.
The PNM stated that it understood the plight of surrounding residents, however objected to the manner in which addressing their concerns was handled.
They said, “While we understand the need to respond to issues raised by surrounding communities, the manner in which this decision was taken and communicated is troubling.”
“The Government’s sudden and unexplained decree serves neither the residents nor the thousands who depend on Carnival for income,” it stated.
The PNM stated, “A reasonable approach would have involved meaningful consultations with all parties, including the affected communities, events organisers, law enforcement, businesses and local authorities.”
The party cautioned on the effects of continued restrictions on carnival that affected both jobs and tourism.
They said before these decisions were made proper consultations and solutions should have taken place with both residents and those involved in the Carnival industry.
The PNM stated, “Carnival is not a nuisance. It is a national industry. It is culture. It is global value. It is the livelihood of thousands of citizens.”
“The business of Carnival cannot survive arbitrary and unexplained decisions handed down without warning or consultation,” they concluded.
On November 12, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had announced a fete ban at the Brain Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba.
She said her decision was based on complaints of excessive noise and traffic congestion by residents in nearby communities.
On Tuesday, via her X (formerly Twitter) she announced fetes would also be banned at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Jean Pierre Complex, Woodbrook.
Her decision came under fire from both citizens and those involved in the Carnival industry.
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA), Robert Thompson said while he understood the concerns of residents, the issue was the lack of noise pollution enforcement by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and rather than them being held accountable, the entertainment industry was being punished.
He said the TTPA and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry were blindsided by her decision, especially as no consultations had taken place.
The TTPA, as well as other stakeholders, have since been called in by the Ministry of Culture to engage in discussions. They are expected to meet on Friday morning.
