The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts has announced that a total of $20 million in funding has been approved for the 2022 Taste of Carnival.
First, $15 million has been approved for the National Carnival Commission and this will help organize its events. Pan Trinbago, TUCO and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association will also benefit from this funding.
The other five million will provide sponsorship support for a number of smaller, separately promoted, safe zone events. This sponsorship will help offset some of the costs associated with paying artists and performance fees for creators involved through the application process approved by the Ministry.
The money will come from the Ministry of Finance and other revenues.
The Ministry of Tourism acknowledged that those involved in the cultural and creative sectors, including those involved in promoting events, have been some of the hardest hit during this ongoing pandemic, having been virtually closed for almost two years.
Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell said: “The biggest part of this budget allocation will go to those who have been most affected by the pandemic: artists, artists, artists, artisans and those who will be employed in creation, security and other areas in a labor-intensive industry. Without the men, performers, mass makers, promoters and support staff, our Carnival could not be as successful and world-renowned as it is.”
The Ministry said that since the announcement of a ‘Taste of Carnival’, Special Interest Groups have reported an increase in vaccinations, as creators and those otherwise involved in the carnival process are eager to participate and practice their craft.
Minister Mitchell also emphasized the mandate that all events be held within the Public Health Regulations for persons vaccinated only under the guidelines of the Government’s Safe Zone initiative.
“The tourism, hospitality, entertainment and events sector contributes approximately sixteen billion dollars to our Gross Domestic Product each year, with most of the industries’ inputs being domestic and a wide network of direct and indirect domestic beneficiaries: from workers who raise the infrastructure, service providers, promoters, artists and performers all together to ignite the fun atmosphere. The high value of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, our culture and the events industry surrounding it is self-evident and undeniable and the Government will continue to support it.
“Although public health regulations continue to restrict other activities such as parties and celebrations, we continue to work with all stakeholders in a joint effort in the recovery of the creative sector, which is a key driver of Trinidad’s economic development and Tobago.” Minister Mitchell continued, “We are committed to continuing to support the artists, performers and all creators who make the industry what it is today,” he said.
