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Large bands have blanked Chaguanas Carnival 2020 Carnival Tuesday celebrations. This word comes from Orlando Nagessar, the chairman of the Chaguanas Carnival Committee (CCC). He was at the time speaking with Guardian Media following a meeting with committee members on Friday. Nagessar said this was because of the small prize monies the CCC was offering. He said two big bands, Danzo Balroop’s Chase Village Carnival and Watap Promotions, have indicated to the committee that they would not be coming to Chaguanas because the venue is no longer economically viable. Nagessar said the CCC can only give what it can afford as prize monies. Nagessar said the CCC does not know how much the NCC would give the committee this year. He said the CCC received a total of $200,000 in funding from the NCC and the business community. He said in 2019 there was a drastic downfall in the amount of funds the private sector pumped into celebrations. He said 2020 would not be better. He said in order to fill the void on Carnival Tuesday the CCC plans a Tassarama show along with live entertainment. Nagessar said he was hopeful that the new Mayor Vandana Mohit would be able to lobby the business committee to get some badly needed cash. Nagessar said because of the shortage of funds there would be no special treatment for very important persons.
“We would be serving Chubby and Kiss Cake. We have to look at the finances. Usually the CBC would make some contribution but they have instructions not to spend money on special events.”
Mayor Vandana Mohit said the borough would seek to assist by way of infrastructure. Mohit said she would also be liaising with the law enforcement authorities to ensure a safe celebration.
Mohit who has been playing mas for the past 15 years would be participating in her band Re-Jouvay-Nation Work Hard Play Hard.
All activities are carded to take place on Ramsaran Street beginning on Carnival Sunday with Kiddies Carnival.