T&T Prime Minister urges responsible revelry as Carnival debate intensifies

As anticipation builds for Trinidad and Tobago’s world-renowned Carnival, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is urging masqueraders to celebrate responsibly and avoid behaviour that could bring embarrassment to themselves or their families. Her appeal comes amid a growing national conversation about the direction of the festival and the balance between cultural expression and commercial influence.

The Prime Minister’s remarks follow a public call from Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, who has asked the Government to consider stronger oversight of certain aspects of the festivities. His intervention was prompted by a promotional campaign reportedly linked to the popular band Tribe, which he described as inappropriate and potentially harmful to young people.

Speaking during a homily at Mass earlier this week, the Archbishop condemned what he characterized as a troubling example of Carnival excess. Referring to reports circulating on social media, he alleged that the band planned to distribute adult-themed items to female masqueraders. If accurate, he said, such actions would represent a step too far and warrant public scrutiny.

“Our country is not for sale, and our young people are not for sale,” Gordon declared, calling for “guard rails” to help protect the next generation. He added that while he has previously advocated for the regulation of social media in the interest of children, similar attention may now be needed within the fete and promotional landscape if organisers fail to exercise restraint.

The Archbishop also voiced concern about what he described as the growing concentration of ownership within the fete industry, arguing that Carnival Monday and Tuesday have increasingly become dominated by large commercial interests. “This is big business,” he noted, warning that unchecked commercialisation risks shifting the festival away from its cultural foundations.

Despite his criticism, Gordon was careful to affirm his admiration for Carnival’s artistic and historical significance. He spoke warmly of visiting pan yards and highlighted the festival’s deep roots in the nation’s social history, themes he explores in his book Rekindling Our Carnival Rhythms. Carnival, he suggested, both reflects and shapes the character of Trinidad and Tobago.

“There’s so much beauty about this Carnival that has come from the bowels and belly of our nation,” he said, while cautioning against exporting what he termed a rising culture of hedonism to neighbouring islands that often look to Trinidad for cultural cues.

Closing his remarks, the Archbishop urged citizens, organisers, and authorities alike to prioritise safety and preserve the spirit of the festival. He encouraged members of the public to make their views known and called for collective responsibility to ensure that Carnival remains a celebration rooted in creativity, pride, and national identity rather than controversy.

The president of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA), Mark Ayen, said any move to regulate mas’ or mas’ bands must begin with consultation with the stakeholders. Ayen said he hopes his organisation is contacted before anything is implemented.

Ayen noted that the distribution of the sex toy is just a continuation of Tribe as a private entity, doing as it sees fit. He added that “many years ago”, the band distributed condoms with not as much pushback.

#TrinidadCarnival #CarnivalDebate #CaribbeanCulture #ResponsibleRevelry #Mas #Steelpan #FestivalSeason #CaribbeanNews #CulturalPride #ProtectTheCulture