“We need to take Carnival to the next level. We need to prove that Trinidad and Tobago has the greatest show on Earth.”
So said newly-appointed National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Peter Kanhai after he received his instrument of appointment from Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin yesterday.
He will be joined by NCC deputy chairman Kevan Gibbs, soca star Iwer “Water Lord” George as well as Imran Beharry, Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore, Mark Ayen, TUCO’s Ainsley King, John Michael Alibocus and Robert Abdool-Mitchell.
In a phone interview Kanhai said he was cognisant it was the month of July, and “a lot of work had to be done.”
Kanhai said he and his commissioners would ensure the country gets “value for money.”
Carnival 2026 is scheduled for February 16 and 17.
Kanhai is UNC general secretary and has also worked closely with the steelband industry for about 40 years, and was closely aligned with Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra.
He has also served as former assistant secretary to Pan Trinbago Central Executive and was a member of the Regional Carnival committee.
Kanhai said: “I have not gone in NCC to fully understand where the organisation is at the present time. I will go in soon. The board of commissioners will meet and begin the process of charting the way forward. I have to understand what is taking place. I understand they have done some work already. We have to review it and go forward. We have work that was done and we have to review it and go forward. We are in the middle of July. Carnival is next year.”
He added: “We always hear about lack of accountability. My intention is to ensure the operations of NCC can face scrutiny and the country gets value for the money. NCC recognises it has to live up to its real potential to be a contributor to the national economy. I intend to reach out to all cultural stakeholders.”
Kanhai said he appreciated and respected the country’s multi-culturalism.
“Trinidad and Tobago, is made up of different cultures. Not all of it is Carnival. We have to take all the cultures into account. Each of these cultures can contribute towards making a better product.”
He added, “I have learned never to count your chickens before they are hatched. So I did not make any comment before.”
