Port of Spain, Trinidad – The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development (MCCD), made her first official visit to Tobago on Thursday July 10, 2025. As part of her visit, she met with the Honourable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), for a high-level discussion on areas of collaboration between the MCCD and the THA, particularly around cultural development, youth engagement and national events.
Also in attendance at the meeting, representing the THA was:
- Councillor Tashia Burris, Secretary for the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation (DOTCAT)
- Assemblyman Niall George, Assistant Secretary (DOTCAT)
- Ms. Shelly Trim, Administrator (DOTCAT)
Accompanying Minister Benjamin from the MCCD was Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Gwyneth Morris- Alexander, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), and other Ministry officials.
Key Issues discussed were:
- Advancing Culture and the Creative Economy in Trinidad & Tobago
The meeting focused on enhancing support for Tobago’s artistes, filmmakers and cultural entrepreneurs. Minister Benjamin emphasised her commitment to capacity-building through funding, training and strategic promotion. The THA will be presented with a clear list of existing grants to encourage uptake, especially in the film and cultural sectors.
- Tobago Carnival: Partnership, Authenticity & Promotion
The THA reported that TTD$8.5 million was spent for Tobago Carnival 2024, with the goal of using the event as both a cultural and educational tool. The idea of inviting a foreign country each year to showcase its culture was floated, as well as strategies to reach the Caribbean diaspora and European markets.
Minister Benjamin congratulated the THA and Tobago’s creative sector for building a unique and authentic festival that continues to grow in recognition. She acknowledged the THA’s request for greater support from the Ministry, and while candid about the current financial limitations due to under-budgeting by the previous administration, she ensured the Ministry’s commitment to providing better assistance.
Support options discussed included exploring grant-based support through the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and other cultural partners and collaborating on a multi-year development strategy for Tobago Carnival.
- Strengthening Rural Communities & Festivals
Proposed tailored initiatives for small rural communities to host events like the mango, harvest and fishermen festivals were raised. Also suggested was the launch of a “Local Community Corner” to assist communities in finding their unique cultural offerings and grow sustainable activities around them.
- CARIFESTA 2025
Tobago’s integral role in CARIFESTA 2025 was also affirmed. Minister Benjamin noted the island’s longstanding and impactful contributions, from storytelling and folk theatre to culinary arts and fashion, highlighting the need for amplified marketing and strategic positioning in the lead-up to the festival.
- Best Village Camp in Tobago
Minister Benjamin confirmed that Tobago will host the Best Village Camp, a cultural training programme for youths, further reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to youth development and decentralised programming.
- Expanding International Cultural Engagement
Tobago’s recent participation in the Tobago Toronto Festival in Canada was noted as a model for future international outreach. The possibility of showcasing village icons and community heroes at such events was discussed as a way of deepening the global visibility of Tobago’s cultural identity.
Looking Ahead
Minister Benjamin proposed a formation of a working group or liaison team to ensure coordinated planning and communication between the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and the Tobago House of Assembly.
As part of her visit, Minister Benjamin is also scheduled to attend the official launch of the Tobago Heritage Festival 2025. The Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Secretary Augustine
and the THA for their warm hospitality and reiterated that Tobago remains a key national priority in the Ministry’s vision for cultural development.
Below are some photo highlights of the meeting.
Photo 1: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development (fourth from left) poses with The Honourable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (fifth from left), Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development (third from left), Mrs. Gwyneth Morris-Alexander, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development (second from left), Ms. Keiba Jacob-Mottley, CEO of NCC (first from left), Councillor Tashia Burris, Secretary for the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation (DOTCAT) (sixth from left), Assemblyman Niall George, Assistant Secretary (DOTCAT) (seventh from left) and Ms. Shelly Trim, Administrator (DOTCAT) (eighth from left) during her official visit to the Office of the Chief Secretary – THA on July 10, 2025.
Photo 2: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development presents the Honourable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly with a token during her official visit to the Office of the Chief Secretary – THA on July 10, 2025.
Photo 3: Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development presents Councillor Tashia Burris, Secretary for the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation (DOTCAT) with a token during the official visit of the Minister of Culture and Community Development to the Office of the Chief Secretary – THA on July 10, 2025.
Photo 4: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development meets with the Honourable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly and other representatives during her official visit to the Office of the Chief Secretary – THA on July 10, 2025.