Kamla tells Rowley: Hold virtual Carnival 2021

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is calling on government not to write off Carnival 2021 completely but to consider a virtual event.

She said for the thousands of people who earn a living from it, a virtual event can still create badly needed jobs and create some revenue.

The cancellation of Carnival will result in  an estimated loss of over $1 billion.

Many stakeholders are considering similar options.

The Prime Minister announced the cancellation of Carnival 2021 at the Spotlight on the Economy on Monday, because the country is still in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Rowley said it would be madness under the circumstances to talk about Carnival in February unless some dramatic wind blows away the virus.

Hours later, Persad-Bissessar, speaking at the United National Congress (UNC) virtual meeting on Monday night, said for the benefit of all the Carnival stakeholders, the talented and creative people, consideration must be given to hosting a virtual event.

“It can become a forex (foreign exchange) earner and those who are involved in this event each year, apart from the actual revellers on the street, you can have a virtual event.”

While she agreed with Rowley’s position on not having public events, to curb the spread of the virus, she accused him of having no vision.

“Why can’t we look at virtual events that can earn foreign exchange? The Divali Nagar is having a fully virtual festival. Why can we not look at something similar? That is another way to create jobs.”

The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) which has produced Divali Nagar for the last 33 years, has decided to cancel all physical events this year owing to covid19.

Instead, it will host a nine-night TV/social media event,Yaadein, from November 5-13. The nightly two-hour production will feature live presentations as well as memorable performances from the past. They will be broadcast on national television as well as social media platforms.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell said while government continues to prioritise the nation’s health over short-term economic gains, it also recognises what Carnival means to Trinidad and Tobago.

“Therefore, the ministry will continue its dialogue with the major stakeholders to envisage a celebration which honours those traditions and adheres to health protocols,”