tidings
Corey Connelly
An ex-officio member of the newly installed Tobago Carnival Committee, he believes research on the island and its culture is limited.
Cultural studies lecturer Dr Charleston Thomas made the observation on Friday during the committee’s first press conference at the THA Division of Finance, Trade and Economics, Scarborough.
The commission of 15 members, headed by the president Meisha Trim, is expected to officially start work on May 30.
Thomas, who has been lecturing at tertiary level for more than 20 years, said: “One of the things as a Tobago lecturer in Trinidad and in a number of institutions across the country and the region is quite stark is that there is a shortage ongoing research on matters relating to Tobago, particularly matters relating to culture.
He said this has resulted in a lack of archiving and data collection related to Tobago’s cultural tapestry.
“Therefore, one of the things that should really be very important to any conception of Carnival should be the way in which we come to understand the place that we call Tobago.”
Thomas added, “Most of that hasn’t been fully in our education system, so one of the things I’m actually hoping to bring to the team is the ability to continue to do quality research on issues related to carnival development. Tobago, as well as to the wider business of Tobago’s cultural dynamism.”
This, he said, will bring facilities for archiving and documenting pieces of work, “engaging young people in the business of actually doing great research on the island, especially in relation to Carnival and the product we want to put out”.
Thomas said he was looking forward to being part of the committee.
Deputy Chairman Kevon Mc Kenna, who was praised for giving the committee a head start on its work, said he was delighted that the Tobago Carnival would finally become a reality.
“It’s time. We’ve gone from reports in 2020 to consulting in 2021 to a hybrid execution team in 2022,” he said.
Saying that the team is “well equipped” to deliver the Carnival, Mc Kenna added, “The success of the Carnival is not only dependent on what the committee does from this point forward, but also depends on what you, as Tobagonians. , a supporter will choose to do.”
He urged Tobagonians to invite their friends and families living abroad to the island for the carnival.
“You have to make sure you immerse them in what you have to offer because we are more than sea and sand.”
Tobago Carnival runs from October 29-30.
