Carnival groups told — practice accountability

GOVERNMENT has laid down the law for Regional  Carnival Committees on the proper use of State funds provided for staging of their respective events during the 2005 national festival, according to Junior Culture Minister Edward Hart. The minister stated that any group failing to adhere to strict accountability practices would not be eligible for future financial assistance from the State. He said: “I urge you to practice strict accountability. The National Carnival Commission will not disburse funds to committees which do not follow the accounting practices laid down. We insist on full accountability and transparency and look forward to your full support.”

Hart was the feature speaker at a presentation of grants valued at $2.7 million to 52 organisations that fall under the umbrella of Regional Carnival. The presentation took place yesterday at the Grand Stand Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Regional Carnival is a sub-division of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and is supervised by NCC commissioner, Paula Atherley. Government’s financial contribution to this segment of “the greatest show on earth,” represented an increase of $1 million from last year’s allocation. But this did not sway Minister Hart from expressing the view that these regional bodies should engage in community fund-raising activities on their own, thereby allowing persons in the respective districts to feel a part of the Carnival. Among those present at yesterday’s function was Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams.