“What we are saying through this is that we understand the commercial imperatives of carrying the Parade of the Bands ‘live’ for two days and while we would like CNMG to reduce its reliance on the Treasury, we still believe as the Government broadcaster, it has an obligation to the national community.
It was in that context more than anything else, that the special interest groups — TUCO, Pan Trinbago, NCBA and NCC — approached CNMG, understanding very well CNMG’s mandate as the public service broadcaster.”
Only in Trinidad folks... this could only happen in Trinidad. Gayelle and Wack radio are the two entities that promote total local content not CNMG or "C" as it is best known in Trinidad and on the World Wide Web. I have to state this here "C" does not promote the culture of Trinidad and Tobago they promote the culture of North America! I don't believe for one second that the special interest groups approached "C" to sell the rights to the broadcast. Also in a democratic society shouldn't there have been a tender process? Just imagine "C" is owned and financed (at a loss) by the government; all Carnival funding for the Carnival comes from the government and as a result money simply changes hands. No money is really coming in from outside entities to realize a 'true' profit. This was circumvented because all broadcasting decisions were formulated in house (by the Government agent Neil Parsanlal and his extension the NCC).
I f anyone out there believes this Minister then I guess you believe in the tooth fairy and of course in this case "pigs do fly".