Stephon Nicholas
Tobago Correspondent
Secretary of Tourism Zorisha Hackett has confirmed that the absence of a Tobago House of Assembly (THA) jazz event for Easter was a deliberate decision.
In an interview with Guardian Media, Hackett said the hiatus was necessary as the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd (TFCL) is in “considerable debt.” While she did not disclose specific figures, Hackett stressed that it would not be prudent to add further financial burden with another major event.
Last year, the commission collaborated with a private promoter to host the inaugural Rhythm and Soul festival, headlined by reggae superstar Buju Banton. However, less than three weeks before the show, Buju withdrew. Jamaican reggae singer Stephen Marley was subsequently added to the lineup.
Hackett said, “As you appreciate, we don’t have an event on the calendar for this period as we typically do. We usually would have a jazz-type festival around this time. Last year it was called Rhythm and Soul. It was not a direct THA event, but we provided some sponsorship and support.
“This year we intentionally took a little rest to clear our debts. The Tobago Festivals Commission has some considerable debt inherited over the last couple of years or so.”
She added that the THA chose to pay its creditors instead of adding to its liabilities with another signature event.
Hackett said the Division of Tourism provided significant support to the Carnbee/Mt Pleasant Easter Sports and Family Day held yesterday at the Mt Pleasant Recreation Ground, as well as the Buccoo Goat and Crab Race Festival.
Hackett served as patron for the Buccoo festival, which is celebrating its 98th edition.
She noted that private stakeholders and promoters also benefitted from THA support during the Easter period. Guardian Media understands that Tobago Festivals still owes service providers for Heritage Festival 2025 and Tobago Carnival 2025.
Festivals CEO: Debt decreasing, events secure
When asked specifically about the size of the debt, Tobago Festivals CEO Kern Cowan declined to provide a figure but said it “has already decreased significantly.”
Regarding a timeline for repayment to creditors, Cowan said this would depend on existing processes and allocations. He stressed that the commission is aware of its obligations and remains committed to addressing them responsibly and as swiftly as possible.
“Our relationships with our stakeholders are and have always been extremely important to us, and we remain committed to maintaining open communication and working collaboratively to address any matters that arise,” Cowan said.
Cowan also denied that cost-cutting measures would compromise Heritage Festival 2026.
“All events and festivals undertaken by the commission form a vital part of our mandate and overall portfolio. Accordingly, there has never been a circumstance in which the integrity or standing of one festival would be compromised in favour of another,” he said, adding that the commission has prioritised items already in the planning phase.
“There is a lot to come this year from the commission, and we encourage all to stay tuned to what’s in store,” Cowan said, noting the commission’s support for several Easter events including Arise, a gospel concert; Lemonade, an all-inclusive breakfast party; and the Buccoo and Mt Pleasant events.
Asked whether hosting Rhythm and Soul last year was a mistake, Cowan said the commission has made no errors since he became CEO.
In February 2023, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said the THA’s intention was to move away from hosting jazz events, describing them as unsustainable. He encouraged private promoters to take on more of the financial responsibility, with the THA focusing on marketing support.
Approximately $4.2 million was spent hiring R&B legends Boyz II Men, reggae artiste Koffee, and other performers for the 2023 Tobago Jazz Experience. The THA suffered a loss of $6.4 million, earning just $5.5 million while incurring $11.9 million in expenses.
