| To all citizens: As Minister with portfolio responsibility for culture, I am pleased to now deliver my official Carnival message. Trinidad and Tobago, Carnival is here. The National Carnival Commission has retained the 2009 theme for this year’s festival: Trinidad and Tobago, the Home of Carnival, to strengthen the branding of Carnival events.
On behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend a very warm welcome to all tourists and returning nationals who are here to be a part of the festivities.
Carnival is a time when our country showcases its creativity and bounty of talent. I visited mas camps, in East, Central, South and North Trinidad. These visits gave me the opportunity to witness the innovation and to understand the intricate preparations and marketing efforts that go into Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.
As host country of this colourful festival, all nationals become cultural ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago. Our pannists, calypsonians, masqueraders and makers of mas showcase this country’s tremendous talent, setting the pace for over 100 Carnivals around the world. It is by successfully hosting what we call ‘the greatest show on earth’ that my Ministry effectively lives out our Vision 2020 Developmental Pillars of “developing an innovative people” and “nurturing a caring society.”
Remember, fellow citizens, that our visitors will follow our cue with regard to how we treat our country. So let us keep Trinidad and Tobago beautiful and clean. Let us partner with the protective services to ensure that Carnival 2010 will be incident-free and let us continue to demonstrate our kindness and courtesy to all our visitors.
Beyond a doubt, our stakeholders have acted responsibly over several months to facilitate the country’s preparations for Carnival 2010. It is now up to all our citizens to act to ensure that our annual festival comes off without mishap. I must once more emphasise our role as our brother’s keeper in ensuring that we welcome our visitors, make them feel safe, and set a good example with regard to driving on the road free from alcohol.
May I also remind the nation’s youth to continue to maintain a high standard; the standard such as those found in the making of Kings and Queens. Enjoy yourselves, be responsible and understand that there is indeed life after Carnival.
On behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister - Mr Patrick Manning and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish all our stakeholders, local and foreign spectators, masqueraders, steelpan lovers, calypso, chutney and soca fans, and everyone listening today, a happy, clean and safe Carnival 2010, right here in Trinidad and Tobago - the Home of Carnival.
Let the festivities begin.
I thank you. Honourable Marlene McDonald, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs |
