Diplomatic passport for Calypso Rose

During the briefing, Dolly said she received a report from the National Carnival Commission (NCC) regarding a glitch during Sunday’s Dimanche Gras show and corrective action is being taken to prevent a repeat of that issue at next year’s show. After the briefing, she quashed rumours that Kenny De Silva had resigned as NCC chairman. “There is no resignation from Mr De Silva,” Gadbsy Dolly told reporters.

Earlier in the briefing, Gadsby Dolly disclosed, “The Cabinet has made the decision that Calypso Rose will receive a diplomatic passport and as well...with her permission...an aircraft of our Caribbean Airlines fleet will be named for her...in recognition of her stellar achievement.” Last month, Rose became this country’s first ever artiste to win the French version of the Grammy’s -- the Victoires de la Musique -- after her platinum selling album Far From Home, was voted Album of the Year.

On February 24, Rose paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair. After Rose won her award, Rowley said, “Calypso Rose has consistently delivered high quality music and entertaining performances to a wide variety of audiences during her long career.” Gadsby Dolly also said the consensus was that this year’s Carnival was both enjoyable and successful, with large turnouts of persons at various Carnival events such as the Calypso Fiesta competition in San Fernando.

On a problem at the Dimanche Gras show which resulted in no performances taking place for 90 minutes after the calypso monarch finals, the minister said the producer of the show had issued an apology for that situation.

On plans to undertake a forensic audit of Pan Trinbago, Gadsby Dolly said a commitment was given to look into this matter once Carnival was over. Stating that discussions with the relevant parties will take place, Gadsby Dolly stated, “We are going to proceed.” The minister said the post-Carnival analysis has begun and will continue,” as we look to improvements in Carnival 2018.” She said this exercise involves the Planning Ministry, Economic Development Board, the Central Statistical Office and her ministry.

Observing that no economic impact assessment has been done on Carnival “for quite a number of years,” Gadsby Dolly said the outcome of this assessment will give a better idea of what accrues to the Government, map the economic spend of Carnival, identify challenges during this year’s celebrations and inform strategies for Carnival 2018.