Caption: Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo
By Sue-Ann Wayow
A bumper Carnival season is what Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is expecting for Carnival 2026—the first under the current United National Congress (UNC) administration.
He said on Friday, “This is the strongest signal yet that the economy is on the upswing.”
His comments follow a favourable country review by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week.
Tancoo said, “Activities such as fetes, some of which are massive events, are doing very well. Mas bands have attracted large numbers, and J’ouvert bands and hotel rooms are sold out. We expect flights into Trinidad and Tobago to be packed to capacity as visitors from all around the world descend on our shores for these celebrations.”
Tancoo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Fyzabad, was speaking at the Fyzabad Carnival City event hosted by Fyzabad Phenomenal.
He said Carnival is one of the major drivers of economic activity, providing income across many sectors, including the creative industries—artistes, musicians, mas bands, caterers, food vendors, tour operators, clothing retailers, event managers, audio technicians, decorators, construction workers, taxi drivers, and more.
“And with the influx of visitors, there is an inflow of US dollars and demand for all manner of goods and services, leading to peak seasonal employment…what you have is a lot of money circulating throughout the economy, which is exactly what we need at this point in time—a much-needed boost in economic activity,” he said.
Tancoo commended Carnival stakeholders in the public and private sectors and extended a warm welcome to returning nationals and newcomers.
He said that under the UNC administration there would be renewed investment in the nation’s cultural celebrations.
Tancoo added that, having recently exited a state of emergency, with crime levels well below what they were last year, and combined with the overwhelming response to the Government’s Economic Revitalisation Plan, the national mood was one of “confident exuberance.”
“As citizens and visitors alike participate in the Carnival activities, they should be aware that every dollar spent is trickling through the economy—providing jobs, providing incomes, providing opportunities for those who need it most,” Tancoo said.
Earlier this month, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj also expressed optimism about this year’s Carnival activities.
