Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – On May 7, 2025, The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, along with Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, held a series of introductory meetings with key stakeholders in the Carnival sector. These sessions, which marked the first official stakeholder engagement following their appointment on May 5, 2025, were part of the Ministry’s early preparations for the successful coordination and execution of Carnival 2026.
The discussions took place at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain and focused on laying the groundwork for the upcoming national festival, ensuring its continued success and growth in the years to come.
Stakeholders in Attendance
The meeting saw the participation of several influential figures from across the Carnival industry, including:
- Ms. Keiba Jacob Mottley, Chief Executive Officer of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC), the body responsible for coordinating and facilitating Carnival-related activities, ensuring cultural authenticity while enhancing its national and commercial value.
- Mr. Mark Ayen, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA), along with Dr. Rosalind Gabriel, Vice President, and Mr. Valmiki Maharaj, Public Relations Officer. The TTCBA represents the interests of both traditional and modern mas bandleaders, working to develop and sustain Carnival arts.
- Mr. Ainsley King, President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO), accompanied by Ms. Sherlaine Hendrickson, General Secretary, Ms. Karene Asche, Elected Welfare Officer, and Ms. Melissa Williams-Campbell, Assistant Treasurer. TUCO is the leading body for the preservation and promotion of Calypso music and its practitioners.
- Mr. Jerome Precilla, CEO of Itz Rome/Ultimate Soca Champion, along with Mr. Rodney Seemungal, CEO of Star Global Productions (SGP) Studios/Ultimate Soca Champion, Mr. Jared Seemungal, SGP Studios, and Mr. Sheldon Stephen, Lollabee Group/Director
of Ultimate Soca Champion. These entities are renowned for producing large-scale Carnival events and advancing Soca music on international platforms.
Unfortunately, Pan Trinbago, the organization tasked with promoting the National Musical Instrument, the Steelpan, was unable to attend the scheduled meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. However, plans are underway to reschedule the meeting to ensure their involvement in the planning process.
Also present were Mr. Videsh Maharaj, Permanent Secretary, and Mr. Martel Waldron, Deputy Permanent Secretary.
Commitment to Collaboration and Cultural Growth
Minister Benjamin emphasized her strong commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to advance the cultural and creative sectors of Trinidad and Tobago.
She underscored Carnival’s importance as a vital expression of national identity and a key driver of economic opportunity.
Minister Benjamin expressed her excitement for the road ahead, focusing on several key areas for Carnival 2026, including:
- Community and Economic Impact
- Global Promotion and Innovation
- Inclusive Carnival Programming
- Environmental Sustainability
Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Roopnarine further reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to fostering vibrant communities and a sustainable cultural future. He stressed the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement in shaping both the local community and the broader cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.
Looking Ahead to Carnival 2026
As preparations continue for Carnival 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development reaffirms its commitment to supporting the core elements that define the celebration: the artistry of mas, the soul of Calypso, the energy of Soca, and the rhythm of the Steelpan. These pillars are the heartbeat of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity, and together, they will form the foundation of a truly spectacular Carnival experience in 2026.
Below are some photo highlights from the meetings.
Photo 1: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, together with the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine (seated on the left) alongside Mr. Videsh Maharaj, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), and Mr. Martel Waldron, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.) meets with Ms. Keiba Jacob Mottley, Chief Executive Officer of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (all seated at right side of table).
Photo 2: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, greets Mr. Mark Ayen, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA), Dr. Rosalind Gabriel, Vice President, TTCBA, and Mr. Valmiki Maharaj, Public Relations Officers, TTCBA.
Photo 3: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development (third from left), together with the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine (fourth from left) poses with Mr. Ainsley King, President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) (fifth from left), Ms. Sherlaine Hendrickson, General Secretary, TUCO (first from left), and Ms. Karene Asche, Elected Welfare Officer, TUCO (second from left) and Ms. Melissa Williams-Campbell, Assistant Treasurer, TUCO (sixth from left).
Photo 4: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine (first from left) greets Mr. Jerome Precilla, Itz Rome/Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Soca Champion (sixth from left), Mr. Rodney Seemungal, Chief Executive Officer of Star Global Productions (SGP) Studios /Ultimate Soca Champion (third from left), Mr. Jared Seemungal, SGP Studios (fifth from left), and Mr. Sheldon Stephen, Lollabee Group/Director of Ultimate Soca Champion (fourth from left).