The government is moving to expand the number of food and merchandise vendors at the Flava Village for Carnival 2027.
This is according to Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, who revealed that after overwhelming demand, they were forced to turn away half of this year’s applicants.
She confirmed that 411 applications were received for 2026, but only 211 vendors could be accommodated because of limited space.
She said an immediate review is underway for better accommodation in 2027.
“Our vendors, we have over 411 vendors applications. Sadly, we could not have granted all. What we are doing is relooking the space at the Savannah to see how many vendors we could cater for in 2027. This year, we could have only accommodate 211 vendors and we are looking to increase that and with regards to how these vendors are chosen, we want to advertise earlier this year so persons have a open opportunity with regards to applying to become a vendor, whether it is in Flava or just in the general space on the Savannah.”
Minister Benjamin hinted at the success of the Flava Village, not only for vendors but artistes.
“Sadly, what I met on taking over the Ministry and NCC is that most of the funding goes into infrastructure; hence, the reason this government and my cabinet, we put Flava in place to further reach out to vendors, the small man and the grandma, so we speak and also giving artistes a greater opportunity. I think this year, and something I always fail to, I need to stick to my notes sometimes, fail to say is that this year I think artistes saw more bookings because of Flava. Some artistes they would have songs and they don’t even get it played on the radio. So that is something I intend to do, let the general public know the funding and the spent with regards to NCC.”