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CCNTV6
  • 2 months ago
Transcript
00:00People's National Movement Public Relations Officer Faris al-Rawi says the Prime Minister's announcement
00:06to further restrict carnival events at the Haisley Crawford Stadium and the Gene Pair Complex
00:12to a few days and hours has left both residents and event organizers in uncertainty.
00:19While acknowledging legitimate community concerns about noise, traffic and late-night activity,
00:24the opposition says the government's sudden decree fails to properly address these issues.
00:30Al-Rawi urges that major changes during carnival require careful planning, meaningful consultation
00:36and fair notice to all stakeholders including promoters, law enforcement, local authorities
00:42and the thousands who depend on the carnival industry for income.
00:47In a statement issued today, he says,
00:49Promoters, DJs, sound engineers, lighting technicians, stage crews, caterers, security providers,
00:56drivers, vendors and small business owners invest months of preparation into each event.
01:02This last-minute change announced without consultation or transition threatens the income of thousands
01:08who depend on the carnival season.
01:11Al-Rawi points out that the announcement comes on the heels of a 100% increase in customs and excise duties
01:18which has already doubled alcohol prices, making financial planning even more challenging for event organizers.
01:26For decades, he challenges a balance that has been struck between carnival activities and community rights
01:32through measures such as decibel limits, independent sound monitoring, strategic speaker placement,
01:39earlier cut-off times and traffic management.
01:41The PNM says these practical solutions could continue to protect residents
01:46while allowing the carnival economy to function responsibly.
01:51The party is now calling on the Prime Minister to clarify the new restrictions,
01:55detail any consultations undertaken and outline plans to protect the livelihoods of those affected.
02:02Al-Rawi says, quote,
02:04Carnival is not a nuisance, it's a national industry, it is culture, it is global value,
02:10it is the livelihood of thousands of citizens.
02:14The business of carnival cannot survive arbitrary and unexplained decisions handed down without warning or consultation, end quote.
02:24The PNM says it will continue to push for transparent dialogue and sensible solutions
02:29to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago's carnival season can proceed safely
02:33while respecting the rights of surrounding communities.
02:37Arvashita Mori, Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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