00:00I saw the comments of persons that Tobago can't have two carnivals. Yes, we can. Tobago has its own flavor for carnival. Tobago, we are not trying to be in nudity, beets and bat, the wire bra and the thongs. Tobago, we are just different. And I would like it to remain that way.
00:24Chairman of the Tobago Mass Band leaders, Diane McCremmen, says following last Friday's carnival media conference, her organization has raised concerns, chief among them, the call for juve to be staged in Scarborough. During that media conference, Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett indicated that the Tobago House of Assembly would instead be focusing on three juve locations, Roxborough, Calder Hall and Crunk Point.
00:52Ms. McCremmen is also appealing for an increase in prize monies across mass categories, noting that the current $40,000 top prize for best senior band is, in her view, insufficient.
01:06So my concern, prizes, and we need to leave juve in Scarborough. I really didn't like it. I really, I'm not going to lie, I really did not like it.
01:22Did not like what?
01:23The taking of the juve in Scarborough.
01:26Meanwhile, Ms. McCremmen says she is yet to hear or see any advertisements promoting Tobago's National Carnival, especially when compared to the widespread marketing and promotion of Tobago's October Carnival.
01:41I have been asking about advertisements. I have been asking for advertisements. Let persons know persons are calling, they're not hearing anything. I have to, you know, call Mr. Corn, give me a little advertisement.
01:56Ms. McCremmen says she has been in discussions with Chief Executive Officer of the Tobago Festivals Commission, Kern Cowan, regarding her concerns, and is hopeful she will also be able to speak directly with Tourism Secretary Zareisha Hackett.
02:12She is further calling on Chief Secretary Fahli Augustine to intervene in the matter.
02:17Me and Mr. Corn on the phone write you, you know, write you, don't, this morning, and I'm still not giving up. I have called. I left messages to have a meeting with Secretary Hackett. I haven't, she has not met with me. So all I'm left with is Mr. Corn. But I'm not giving up.
02:38McCremmen spoke to TV6 News at the band's office at Shaw Park. Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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