Two separate working committees have been appointed to determine whether there should be a second Carnival in Tobago next October or whether that Carnival should be a replacement Carnival or an additional Carnival, Chief Secretary Orville London said yesterday. He said the committees also would consider if the decision was made to have a replacement or an additional Carnival and when it should be held. "Those two committees ought to be looking at the concerns, the advantages and all the issues that will impact on the type of Carnival that you would have if the decision is made to have a Carnival in Tobago," London told reporters after a two-hour meeting with Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters at the Calder Hall Administrative Complex.
The committees have been asked to present their reports at the next meeting in April. London said they had very interesting and very productive discussions, adding that the minister had put everything in perspective when he indicated to him very early he meant no disrespect based on statements made and postures taken over the past couple of weeks. London said that immediately put the discussion in perspective and "we were able to conduct the discussion in a very professional manner, a very cordial manner and of course it was extremely productive." He said from the decisions it had been recognised that none of the issues had in fact been determined and the committees would consult with the experts, the people in the field, and the various stakeholders to have their point of view and it was only after that they could then have discussions.
London said those discussions would determine the assembly's position and its decision as to the whole issue of Carnival. In response, Peters echoed the sentiments of the Chief Secretary, saying the talks were productive and he was looking for a way forward. He added: "We are going to ensure that the committees come up with the implementation plans and what have you, and if there is to be what it is supposed to be."