Photos courtesy Kyle Frederick (Sekon Sunday 2021)

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2022 Is On

Written by: Nekisha Neicy Cyrus

A ‘Taste Of Carnival’ can be expected for 2022.

Yes, Carnival lovers, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2022 has been officially given the green light by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell. According to the Minister, Carnival activities for 2022 will be allowed for only vaccinated persons in the form of concert-type shows in safe zone venues. Fetes and parties however, will not allowed.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley recently announced via a news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, that several elements of Carnival could take place this year once proper health protocols are in place. This however, does not include large gatherings due to the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising threat of the Omicron variant.

The Minister’s release comes on the heels of a Carnival Working Group meeting held on Wednesday 19 February 2022, to determine the specific events that will be held. He further explained that the safe-zone type events will also have protocols to abide by, for example only a 50% capacity is allowed and must be equipped with controlled entry/ exit points and sanitization upon entry in accordance with the Public health regulations.

The list of concert-type events includes:

Soca & Calypso concerts
Calypso tents and competitions
Soca & Chutney competitions
Steelband concerts
Carnival King & Queen shows and
Carnival theatre shows.

Due to the risk associated with events such as fetes and parties, etc. the Minister explained that according to the Public Health guidance and regulations these events can result in an increase in the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The consideration of PCR testing was also mentioned, however, based on the cost per test it would be unrealistic and uneconomical to be used as a form of risk reduction. In addition to safe-zone types of events being allowed, the Minister noted that all performance spaces will be made available for bookings events at very affordable rates.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell

According to the Minister, this move represent a first step towards restarting the events sector.

“While we remain committed to safely restarting the events and entertainment sector, we must consider the global scenario which is that Trinidad and Tobago like the rest of the world are in the midst of a global pandemic which continues to evolve with new variants being detected causing health organizations worldwide to quickly adapt and change strategies.” Mitchell said.

NCC Chief Executive Officer, Colin Lucas has submitted a proposed three-week Carnival calendar of events (starting February 4), and budget to be considered and remains hopeful to receive positive feedback as he await its approval. The Minister also touched on the financial assistance that the NCC and other stakeholders would require to support the planned events since the usual level of appropriation was not made in the Appropriation Act 2022.

The announcement of a safe-zone, vaxxed only carnival has been met with mixed opinions from the entertainment fraternity. While some are in support of the ‘baby steps’ being taken, others are against it. We at Caribbean Entertainment Hub would like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you support the ‘A Taste of Carnival’ initiative? Let us know in the comments below!

Sources include: https://trinidadexpress.com, https://tt.loopnews.com

Hashtags: #Carnival2022 #Safezonecarnival #MinisterofTourism #RandallMitchell #NCC #TrinidadandTobago #T&TCarnival2022

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