Confusion over Tobago Carnival as the festival launches with no budget and no details about this year’s festival.
The festival was officially launched yesterday with the customary parade of traditional and contemporary Carnival characters, from uptown to the Tobago Festivals Commission Office, downtown Scarborough.
However, following the parade, the formal part of the ceremony was anticlimactic as Festivals Director of the Tobago Festivals Commission Limited George Leacock failed to provide details of this year’s festival.
Leacock, who is known for participating in the parade, dressed as an astronaut said, “I had very, very long notes and a prepared speech but on my re-entry from space the notes burned up.”
He ended by saying that whenever its Carnival coming up certain kinds of things happen and for those who would like to suggest otherwise. Leacock said, “I know a little about this.”
Leacock, who previously served as the executive chairman of the Board, is now responsible for the logistical planning, organising and execution of Tobago’s festivals.
As executive chairman, George has to report to a Board appointed in August 2019.
When contacted after the launch for more detail on the festival, Leacock said. “There is still some back and forth with the budget.”
He advised that questions be directed to the secretary for Tourism Culture and Transportation Nadine Stewart Phillips.
Phillips responded by saying: “I am only willing to speak on the budget which will be confirmed after Executive Council meets next week.”
She said all other questions surrounding Tobago Carnival is under the purview of Leacock.
Checks with the Tobago Festivals Commission social media pages revealed that the most recent updates were promoting Tobago Blue Food Festival in October 201