Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards, wife of President George Maxwell Richards, says negative publicity can damage visitor arrival for this year's Carnival. She made the statement while speaking at the launch of the Red Cross Children's Carnival 2011 at the Red Cross Society's northern branch at Fitz Blackman Drive, Wrightson Road Extension, Port-of-Spain. "The launch, this year, is taking place in the midst of many challenges," she said.
"Quite apart from the economy, international and local, which has not bounced back as hoped for, we have to deal with negative publicity that can damage visitor arrival, for example. "We hope not, though, because it is necessary to push back against the forces of evil that are seeking to imprison us in a dungeon of fear."
Ramjohn-Richards further noted that Carnival 2011 promises to be different in certain ways from the previous year's festival. "For one, masqueraders will cross a Savannah stage, which has not been the case for a number of years," she added. She said the Red Cross Children's Carnival was the principal event which provided the greater part of the budget of the organisation, whose focus was the enhancement of the life of vulnerable people.
Ingrid Ryan-Ruben, Director of Culture in the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism, represented Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters, who could not attend. Ryan-Ruben said the work of the Red Cross, which had been contributing to Carnival for 55 years, was pivotal to the future of the national festival. "We have asked the Red Cross to find a way to work and partner with us," she said. She urged the organisation to "continue to encourage young people to play mas."
Children's carnival
Red Cross Children's Carnival
February 26
Queen's Park Savannah-from 11 am to 5.30 pm
Registration-To February 26