tidings
Corey Connelly
TOBAGO’S J’Ouvert celebrations have doubled from two to four, for next month’s Carnival celebrations.
During the Carnival launch last Tuesday at Scarborough Esplanade, Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd presented its itinerary, which featured J’Ouvert in Roxborough and Scarborough on February 19 and 20 respectively.
On that occasion, the commission’s CEO, John Arnold, said efforts were being made to bring more events to Scarborough.
He added that one of the main concerns arising from the inaugural October carnival, from a police perspective, “was the horror they had with the narrow streets (in Crown Point).
“So actually the police were one of the ones who actually said they would welcome us going to Scarborough.
Arnold said the Scarborough J’Ouvert has scaled back over the years.
“As a country that has the infrastructure for the circular model and is not affected by what might happen at the airport, it is thought that we will make every effort to bring J’Ouvert back to Scarborough.”
On Wednesday, the commission released a revised itinerary, which showed that in addition to Scarborough and Roxborough, J’Ouvert will also be held in Crown Point and Calder Hall on February 20 and 21, respectively.
In a statement, the commission said it is ready for the “Mother of All Carnivals 2023” in Tobago.
He said customers will be able to attend a variety of events across the island.
The commission said that the children were not left out.
“Kids will have their fair share of activities throughout the season with the Windward Junior Extravaganza lined up for February 16, and the Roxborough Kiddies Carnaval on February 19 at the Cyd Gray Complex. Also, for the first time, there will be an All-Inclusive for Children on Saturday, February 11 at the Shaw Park Complex,” the announcement states.
The commission said in an effort to make the carnival calendar truly inclusive, it is working together with interest groups to achieve what it called “an authentic sister island carnival experience 2023”.
“After all, the carnival season promises events across Tobago with a mix of cultural events, parades and competitions, embracing elements of pan, calypso and mas.”
