Mitchell: No money spent on THA virtual Carnival

TOURISM, Culture and the Arts Minister Randall Mitchell said on Friday reports that the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) spent $2 million on a virtual Carnival event are false.

He made this statement in response to a question in the House of Representatives from Naparima MP Rodney Charles.

Mitchell explained, "The Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation of the THA, through the Tobago Festivals Commission, is charged with the responsibility for planning, co-ordinating and implementing Tobago's festivals."

In fulfilment of the commission's mandate, Mitchell said, "Approval was sought and received from the Executive Council (of the THA) for a project called Virtual Tobago Carnival 2021."

He said this project "is intended to facilitate the recording, streaming of virtual Carnival events and a documentary in conjunction with Carnival interest groups on the island at a proposed cost of $2 million."

Mitchell said the objectives of the project would be "to develop a unique, future Tobago Carnival festival to be marketed in its source markets, so as to enhance the Tobago tourism offerings and to inject funds into the creative sector in Tobago."

This would help stimulate Tobago's economy while its tourism sector prepares for opportunities in the post-covid19 pandemic period.

"To date, no funds have been expended and the Tobago Festivals Commission is still in the planning stages."