Savannah Carnival in 2007

THIS YEAR’S Independence Parade is carded to take place at the Queen’s Park Savannah on August 31 and reliable sources said yesterday that the Cabinet note for the construction of the proposed multi million dollar state-of-the-art underground cultural facility in place of the Grand Stand has been withdrawn.

The source added that an engineering adviser to the government informed them that the proposed plans just can’t work.

With that being the case, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) hasn’t packed up to move anywhere as yet nor has it been given any notice to leave the premises at the Savannah.

At any rate, moving from the Savannah will mean that a number of details will have to be taken into consideration. In the first instance, the interim facilities must be suitable for all NCC personnel, including their security and cleaners. Going into another building where similar staff already exists would mean that a VSEP package would have to be offered to the affected staff. Another thing is parking for staff and as well, when there are certain planned activities at their offices.

But by far, the biggest complication is the holding of the National Panorama competition. The source said the show cannot take place at the Jean Pierre Complex (JPC) as suggested by Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, where there is no track to accommodate the lining up of the bands, the last rehearsals and the supporters. And as for the king and queen of Carnival competition, the open JPC will not cater for the element of surprise that these kings and queens introduce on various competition nights.

Once again the question of public consultation with the public and all interest groups never took place and that is now some measure of concern for some of the relevant players.

President of Pan Trinbago, Patrick Arnold, yesterday confirmed that while as a member of the NCC board he was invited to view the Calder Hart design of the new facility, Pan Trinbago as an interest group wasn’t invited neither was it asked to make an input towards the designs.

But given the delay in the bulldozing of the Grand Stand he said he would not be surprised that Carnival would indeed be back in the Savannah next year. If however, he added, construction begins he has proposed that the western side of the savannah be used to hold the Panorama competition.

Donald Little, chairman of the National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF), a mas body that represents a large number of bands, said that even though he heard that bulldozing may be starting soon he cannot see any facility being completed by 2008, the proposed date of completion. He added that officially, the NCDF wasn’t invited to look at the design of the facility but he happened to get a view of it at the recent two-day seminar hosted by the Carnival Institute. He then commented, “I am a bit confused as to how it will suit the parade (of the bands) or moreso, accommodate our Carnival.”

Michael Leggerton, president of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), who was more privy to government’s plans for the facility than his counterparts, said he had no problem with it and is more anxious for an early commencement of construction. However, he did admit that he hasn’t yet received a notice to move his organisation from the Savannah but has reviewed a couple of buildings for relocation.