NCC chairman: Stadia venue for Carnival

This was disclosed by National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman, Kenny de Silva on Sunday at a media appreciation brunch held at the NCC Clubhouse, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

De Silva said nothing has been decided as yet as the Grand Stand, the “main venue of the world’s greatest festival”, is about to be demolished to make way for the more aesthetically pleasing Carnival Village.

“The NCC Board has been engaged in continuing discussions over the matter of where we would house the parade until the new centre is completed,” de Silva said.

“We intend to give our suggestions to the Line Minister, who will take them to Cabinet. We have to consider a number of things, like national security, and we have to liaise with different Government ministries.”

De Silva said most likely, however, they may expand the parade routes, while the main show will remain in Port-of-Spain.

The NCC chairman also dismissed claims by environmentalists that the construction of the Carnival Village at the Savannah will have a negative environmental impact.
“I’m sure that approval will be gained in all the necessary areas,” he said.

“If there was no problem with this building, there won’t be problems with another building within the same perimeter. The Grand Stand has served its purpose. It looks terrible,” de silva commented.

As for the charge by the Joint Consultative Association that the contract for the construction of the Carnival Village was awarded with a tendering process, de Silva said that doesn’t fall within his purview.