A CARNIVAL band launch has been postponed due to the celebration of CARICOM”s 50th anniversary.
Yuma Vibe Ltd issued a media release last weekend stating that CARICOM’s celebrations were taking place at the Hyatt Regency, the location where the band had intended to celebrate its launch of Trinidad Carnival 2024 under the concept, “On Tour—A World to Celebrate.”
The band stated that it has not been granted permission by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) due to security reasons.
This week, the city of Port of Spain made adjustments to accommodate the CARICOM schedule of events including enhanced security and traffic adjustments.
Yuma stated, “While in spirit, we share their ideals of Caribbean unity, for logistical reasons, we cannot also share the space they occupy this weekend. More specifically, at the very last minute, we were made aware that, despite securing all other approvals, permits and permissions for our Carnival 2024 presentation, security concerns have prevented us from receiving the final approval of the TTPS to host our event on 2nd July 2023, at the International Waterfront Centre.
“We would be encroaching on the internationally prescribed ‘security bubble’ in place to ensure the security of the visiting dignitaries, and our Yumans would suffer intolerable security protocols to access the event, if it was permitted to take place.”
The decision was therefore taken to postpone the Carnival 2024 presentation to this Saturday from 10 pm to 4 am at the same venue.
While it may have been possible at great expense and with significant logistical challenges to secure an alternative venue at the last minute, Yuma said it stood firm with the decision taken earlier this year to launch the band at the International Waterfront Centre because it was seen as the most premium venue.
“We believe you expect the best, and we will present you with nothing less,” the release stated.
Yuma thanked persons for their loyalty, patience and understanding stating that it will honour all tickets in-hand on the date at the venue.
