Free entry to North Stand on Carnival Monday

The announcement was made by chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), Kenny De Silva, at the launch of Carnival 2017 held at the QPS on Friday. De Silva noted that it was one of the new initiatives being put in place for this year’s festivities.

“We will be giving out tickets to all hotels so that foreign guests who never saw traditional mas will be able to come and view,” De Silva said.

“Because of the challenges with the economy, in the VIP area of the respective stands there will be a paid bar for you to buy whatever you want to eat or drink.” He explained that the only areas that are going to be served are the President’s Box and the Prime Minister’s Box.

For the Parade of the Bands on Carnival Tuesday, the fee to enter the North Stand will just be $50.

De Silva said the parade route for 2017 remains the same as last year and the mandatory judging point is at the Queen’s Park Savannah while the other judging points are at Victoria Square, Down Town and Piccadilly Greens.

Among the changes being made is the relocation of the Kaiso House calypso tent from the QPS to the old Globe Cinema at the corner of St Vincent and Park Streets, Port of Spain.

“It has the capacity of 800 seats which is more than what existed at the Queens Park Savannah, under the tent. The NCC and its staff is doing whatever is required to bring it to what a calypso tent should look like in terms of decor.” On the decision by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) to have 16 finalists for the National Calypso Monarch competition, De Silva said he believes it is “reasonably a good idea”.

He indicated that there has been a 25 percent cutback in Carnival activities this year but assured that the season is in a reasonable state of readiness.

“I think people realise that it is not business as usual in terms of where the economy is at, however there will be no cutbacks on the enjoyment of locals and visitors during Carnival 2017, and we want all to enjoy it and have fun.”