Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, is supporting Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision to stop hosting Carnival fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
Minister Benjamin says the move is about creating balance — expanding Carnival 2026 while respecting the concerns of nearby residents affected by loud events.
She emphasized that the government isn’t ending fetes altogether, but is working with stakeholders to find more suitable venues across the country.
The Minister says the goal is to preserve Carnival’s vibrancy while ensuring comfort, safety, and inclusivity for all citizens.
Meanwhile, Former Culture Minister Randall Mitchell has criticized government’s decision to end hosting fetes at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.
He said that while noise pollution is a legitimate concern government must balance better the needs of surrounding communities with that of the cultural economy.
