Prime Minister Sees “Bumper” 2026 Carnival Amid Safety Measures
Despite the State of Emergency ending before Carnival’s peak and the ZOSO Bill failing in Parliament, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she expects a relatively safe 2026 Carnival. Speaking at the Siparia Women’s Association’s 28th annual Kiddies Carnival celebrations in Penal, Persad-Bissessar stated that protective services under Home Affairs and Defence were fully mobilised for the season, with reserves ready to deploy if needed.
“We are always concerned about crime. Tomorrow, I have a National Security Council meeting, and we will have further discussions about the way forward,” she said, urging revelers to enjoy mas and beach outings responsibly.
“I wish all a safe, safe, safe season,” she added.
Assessment and funding concerns
Persad-Bissessar said her prognosis for a bumper Carnival had been optimistic from the outset, despite early scepticism. “With all the data we have now, this Carnival is going to be a really bumper Carnival. From the arrivals, the fetes, and the events, it is growing and growing,” she noted, expressing confidence that Carnival 2026 would be eventful.
The Prime Minister highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts between the Office of the Prime Minister and other ministries, including a joint event planned after a Cabinet sitting, and she said she had visited Flava Village during the season. She also addressed complaints from the San Fernando Carnival Committee, whose allocation was reduced from $700,000 to $500,000, leading to the cancellation of its annual Monday and Tuesday competitions. While wishing for more funding, Persad-Bissessar defended the government’s efforts, stating: “No matter how much is given, people always want more. It is human nature.” She praised the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and the ministers involved, insisting they were doing their best and that Carnival would attract bumper crowds.
Support for Penal and youth talent
Persad-Bissessar drew inspiration from the Kiddies Carnival turnout, noting Penal’s growing excitement and the event’s 28th edition. She highlighted Holy Faith Convent’s victory in the National Schools Panorama Competition in the Secondary Schools category for the second consecutive year, saying, “There is great talent in Penal.”
The parade at SS Erin Road culminated in a jump-up on the Petrotrin Recreation Ground, with 14 preschools and a six-school primary competition participating. In her address to the audience, Persad-Bissessar urged revelers to enjoy the season while maintaining dignity, saying: “Keep it clean. Keep it safe, and on Ash Wednesday fete done. Back to work.”
Ongoing infrastructure and modernization
Persad-Bissessar also touched on community improvements, recalling Penal’s fire station, built during the former People’s Partnership administration. She announced that Penal would receive one of six new fire trucks that arrived in the country last week, noting: “We have six, and we need more. After ten years, we are waiting. Promise made, promise kept.” The fire station and others nationwide are set to receive these new vehicles as part of ongoing modernization.
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