Stay at home and enjoy regional mas.This advice was given by Ramchand Rajbal-Maharaj, chairman of the Couva Carnival Committee (CCC), at the launch of its seven days of Carnival celebrations on Wednesday night at the Couva Public Car Park.
The event kicked off with performers from the Chutney Calypso Touring Tent. Rajbal-Maharaj said the CCC had planned a packed programme of free events to the public.
The former councillor on the Couva/ Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation said he wanted the public to stay at home and enjoy and support regional Carnival events instead of travelling to Port-of-Spain and San Fernando.
He said with growing public support over the past few years, regional Carnival celebrations in several communities had been growing.
Rajbal-Maharaj said because of the growing interest more bands were being produced and local talent was being utilised and boosted.
He said that development augered well for everyone as more and more people could make a contribution to the national festival.
He said the CCC calypso competition comes off today; the Miss Central Carnival Queen tomorrow and the Kiddies Carnival on Sunday.
The festivities culminate with J'Ouvert and Monday Night Mas and there will be the traditional Parade of the Bands on Carnival Tuesday.