Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin has assured that Carnival will proceed in San Fernando.
Following Tuesday’s announcement by the San Fernando Carnival Committee that it would suspend the competitive aspect of its celebrations due to a reduced funding allocation, Minister Benjamin said that decision will not affect the overall revelry in South Trinidad, noting that Carnival festivities will continue as planned.
“The Ministry and NCC, we stand ready. My entire family plays J’ouvert in San Fernando. And the judging will go on without the city. If the City Corporation is not ready to run the people’s Carnival, the people will run their Carnival. We have brought the Carnival back to the people.”
Minister Benjamin clarified that the reduced allocation came after the Mayor of San Fernando publicly announced that he intended to scale back Carnival activities.
“The Mayor put out in the public domain that he is cutting back San Fernando Carnival with regards to the launch. For him to go to public that he is having a cutback and to say that he is scaling down, the regional coordinators took that as an indication that he does not need the same funding. You cannot be getting the same funding and scaling back your activity.”
However, Minister Benjamin assured that Carnival 2026 is already shaping up to be a bumper celebration – one she says will be richer, safer, and more inclusive for all.
“More economically impactful and more loved. I’m telling you, from every feedback that we are getting, everyone is impressed. Carnival 2026 is happening, it is thriving, and it is booming. We have recorded over 37,000 visitors and projected to do more, according to CAL. All my reports and indication is that the hotels are fully booked, and we also have persons that cannot get a booking right now.”
Minister Benjamin also revealed that the government has generated employment for more than 800 people during this Carnival season already.
“So far, we have employed 400 road marshals, 200 ushers, 83 compliance officers. We are also in the process of employing custodians, more labourers, electricians, carpenters, welders, and of course administrators. We have also reached out to the creatives.”
Minister Benjamin was speaking at a UNC Media Briefing on Wednesday.