Cabinet approves $2M for Eid

Eid will be celebrated on June 26. In making the announcement at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre,St Ann’s, Community Development, Culture and the Arts Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said Government has had a long history with this type of funding over the years.

“It is looked at as a part of ensuring that our culture is preserved.

In that vein, it is done so that the communities that celebrate the various festivals can carry on traditions and ensure that our multi-faceted culture remains that way,” she explained.

However, Gadsby-Dolly reiterated that because of the country’s challenging economic circumstances, “we have had to make adjustements downward with respect to what is funded and how many groups can participate in the funding.” While some groups are unhappy with the funding they receive, Gadsby-Dolly said, “We want to ensure that certain festivals are sustainable and sustained in our country.” She said these groups must understand that over time, Government will not be able to maintain the level of funding they were accustomed to. Gadsby-Dolly said it was important for these groups now, “to look at how we celebrate things, what we celebrate and the extent to which we celebrate.” She added that some of the frills in these celebrations, “have to be brought down to the reality of our circumstances.” Gadsby-Dolly said there is a process by which requests for funding are approved and the funding is allocated.

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young said Government is, “the protector of the taxpayer.” He added, “It is not a personalisation which people are attempting to do, with the Government and those who sit at the Cabinet level.” Young continued, “We take the decision on behalf of the taxpayers of TT.” He said people who make these claims, do not do so against the Government.

“It is not our money, it is citizens of TT money and they are the ones to whom they will answer to at the end of the day,” he added.

On Wednesday, Gadsby- Dolly refuted claims from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar that Government did not provide funding for cultural and religious groups for Indian Arrival Day.