Debate over the commercialisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival took centre stage Monday as the Ministry of Culture and Community Development hosted the Business of Carnival Public Consultation at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Strengthening safety, infrastructure, marketing and visitor experience were some of the areas addressed by the Ministry.
According to Minister Michelle Benjamin, “Carnival is not only culture, it is commerce. But we must also recognise that there is still tremendous growth and work to do. So you’re here to grow the business of Carnival.”
With a specific focus on the steelpan, the conversation explores the transformation of the country’s orange economy into a sustainable, evidence-based space, ensuring that artistes finally reap the global rewards they’ve inspired.
“Sometimes from where I sit, the government is accused of making policy without consultation. Today, we are here to rectify that. While ensuring that our traditions remain at the heart of Carnival’s continued evolution, our focus moving forward is to ensure that Carnival continues to grow, not only as a festival, but also as a sustainable cultural industry. One that creates opportunities for artistes. Our artistes must earn. Entrepreneurs, young creators, and communities across Trinidad and Tobago. Today’s session focus on something we all love, the business of our steelpan.”
Minister Benjamin highlighted the appreciation and commercialisation of Carnival in other parts of the world, something she says T&T is lacking.
“Around the world, festivals inspired by our culture generate enormous economic returns. Some claim more than what we do. Our responsibility now is to ensure that the country which created the music. Other Carnivals cannot happen without our music, without our mas and our creative traditions. We inspired them, the world around. We must also benefit from what they do globally. Let us commit to build this product.”
These discussions aim to guide the Ministry in providing evidence-based solutions to create better conditions in the industry.
“Through these consultations and the national survey now underway, the Ministry is gathering insights that will guide us. This insight will be evident-based policy development, better operational planning. This insight will give us the tools and stronger economic opportunities within the Carnival ecosystem for all.”
Moving forward, Minister Benjamin said the end goal is the successful evolution of Carnival from a seasonal festival into a sustainable cultural industry—one that consistently generates professional opportunities for all involved.