Regrello hopeful about Carnival 2021

SAN Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello is optimistic that San Fernando and the rest of the country could have an enjoyable Carnival next year, despite challenges being posed now by the covid19 pandemic.

He expressed his optimism as he distributed cheques to Carnival bandleaders at City Hall in San Fernando on Thursday. He explained that normally the San Fernando City Corporation would have held a ceremony to distribute prize money to bandleaders after Carnival, but because of covid19 this was cancelled and bandleaders were invited to go to city hall in batches to collect their cheques.

Regrello explained that because Carnival is so dear to many people, "the last thing we should be thinking about is cancelling Carnival." He said the good thing is "we still have some months to play with."

Regrello said if the country’s borders remain closed by the time Carnival arrives next year, "it may be a total local scenario." He recalled this was the case in the 1940's and 1950's. Asked what shape San Fernando Carnival could take in a post-covid19 environment, Regrello said, "It's a new dynamic." He hinted at the possibility of less events or a smaller number of people at events.

Fireworks Promotions bandleader Wayne Hanooman, who received his band's cheque for placing third in the large band category in this year's San Fernando Carnival, felt the festival could be held "a little later" than the usual period in February. Hanooman said this could allow bandleaders and other stakeholders to get a better picture as to how to plan.