“Radical transformation” is the message I keep getting from my friends. From the use of plastics to transforming our carnival, there is a consistent message that if we don’t do things differently our society will crumble and fail.

This thought has been on my mind since carnival because I was looking at the BBC News on Carnival Tuesday and they covered Brazil’s carnival extensively. Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival was NOT mentioned on the BBC that evening. I got VEX but quickly changed that vexness to asking: How can we elevate our Carnival to a global stage?

Trinidad and Tobago boasts of being the pinnacle of Carnival celebrations globally, but can we truly claim this title? My ambition is clear: by 2025, I want the BBC to acknowledge Trinidad and Tobago as the Carnival destination of the year. To achieve this, a radical transformation is needed.

We can begin by transforming the Carnival economic model from one based on subsidies and transfers to one which generates profits directly.  If the rationale was that there should be a return on investment, it is unlikely that the National Carnival Commission would be complaining that they received $147 million last year when they should have received $200 million.

Many years ago, Carnival season meant an uptick in demand for seamstresses, wire benders, artists, dancers, performers, graphic designers, and a range of other contributors.  Today our increased demand is for Customs officials and importers.

We must work on clarifying the Carnival product so that it can be marketed to the right audience.  There is no question that the potential of our creative industries is immense. Band leaders, singers, and event planners have developed an approach to working on Carnivals throughout the world and creating bands, shows and experiences which are phenomenal. Even those working on cruise ships play a crucial role.

Promoting local culture, cuisine, and products can reduce our reliance on imported costumes and foreign goods. By stimulating the agricultural sector, we can create a positive economic ripple effect, minimizing foreign exchange expenditures and boosting local industries.

Carnival should be celebrated on a grand scale emphasizing our rich stories, histories and while ensuring a holistic approach to enhancing the value chain. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Rowley revealed that over 300,000 Trinidadian passports were scattered across the globe. This vast diaspora presents an incredible market for festival tourism. However, obtaining reliable data remains a significant challenge, raising questions about the unfulfilled 2015 manifesto promise to modernize our Central Statistical Office.

To make our Carnival experience truly unforgettable, we must prioritize seamless accommodation and transportation for visitors, ensuring a hassle-free journey from Piarco International Airport to their departure.

We need to redefine the Carnival experience, offering immersive cultural and festive experiences that span from ticket purchase to departure. This can range from day-long festivities to month-long cultural explorations.

A structured approach to all Carnival elements, from pan-yard activities to the parade of the bands, is essential. Additionally, diversifying tourism beyond Carnival can help attract visitors throughout the year, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive festival tourism plan.

Our stories are our gold. By investing in our culture, promoting local industries, and fostering innovation, we can transform Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival into a global phenomenon, driving economic growth and securing our place on the world stage.