Gadsby-Dolly responds to bandleader’s lawsuit

In a statement yesterday, the minister noted, “We initially asked for the associations to submit membership lists.

They all submitted, however the interpretation of what constituted a “mas band” seemed to differ by association.” “The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts sought to deal with it by seeking legal advice, which suggested that we consult with the associations about the definition of a mas band; work with the Carnival Band Associations in deciding upon suitable criteria of what would be most representative of these bands; request re-submission of the membership lists according to the established criteria and that while this consultation process was ongoing, the status quo should be maintained; ie National Carnival Bands Association, NCBA should remain on the board of the National Carnival Commission (NCC).” “The ministry consulted with all of the mas bodies twice and has been working with each of them to establish criteria for “mas bands” up to the current date; however, as this issue has been contentious for quite some time, the interpretation by the courts may have been inevitable and is welcomed,” the statement said.

The TT Carnival Bands Association was granted the permission of a High Court judge to have the court review the minister’s decision.