Hey, did you watch the Kiddies Carnival Parade of the bands today? Well, someone from Trinidad sent me a link and asked me to 'check it out.' I was surprised to discover that I had to pay to see the parade of the bands taking place today via TTT. Here is the information:
Junior Parade of Bands 2025
International viewers, be part of the action via Pay-Per-View at: https://tinyurl.com/2u8vrhe6
Over and over again we hear people saying, "Trinidad is not a real place," and there are positive and negative connotations when it comes to that expression. We are a blessed nation with resources, such as the Pitch Lake, and a culture that gave the world Calypso and the Steelpan. While there are numerous negative aspects associated with this statement, we will also address the foolish decision made by TTT to charge international viewers to watch the Children's Carnival parade in Port of Spain today. That is just a money grab and a foolish decision when so many free amateur videographers feeds are available on YouTube!
We continue to tell the world that we have the best culture, the best carnival, and that you, the international viewer, should come and experience the 'greatest show on earth'! However, if we persist in positioning our country as the cultural hub of the Caribbean, decisions such as TTT's decision to charge international audiences for viewing the Children's Carnival Parade 2025 could be perceived as a regression. Such action definitely creates an opportunity for other Caribbean countries to fill the gap, exploiting Trinidadians' lack of foresight in promoting their culture. We need to diversify from oil and gas; we have already destroyed that economy, and culture can fill a gap in finance created by governmental mismanagement. Carnival is more than just a festival; it’s a global invitation to experience the vibrancy, creativity, and soul of our nation. Charging for an event like the Children's Carnival Parade, which showcases the future of our culture through the eyes of our youngest masqueraders, sends the wrong message.
If we truly aim to grow Carnival's international appeal, the strategy should be simple: tease the world with what they’re missing. A free broadcast of the Children's Carnival Parade would serve as a powerful promotional tool, enticing viewers to experience the magic in person. Once hooked, they’ll be more inclined to pay for premium events like Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch, Chutney Soca Monarch, and the steelband finals. These competitions, rich in artistry and competition, are perfect candidates for pay-per-view (PPV) offerings.
The Parade of the Bands, a cornerstone of Carnival, should also remain free to view. The spectacle of the festival draws people in and makes them want to celebrate year after year. By making these key events accessible, we can ensure that Carnival remains a beacon of cultural pride and inclusivity.
Let’s not forget that TTT is a government-owned entity, funded in part by taxpayers. The government already subsidizes much of the Carnival celebrations, so why not let the world see what their investment has created? A free stream of the Children's Carnival Parade could be the perfect way to showcase our culture to a global audience, turning curiosity into participation.
This grab for US dollars feels shortsighted and counterproductive. Instead of building barriers, let’s open the gates and let the world in. After all, Carnival is not just for us—it’s for everyone.
Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Red Cross Childrens Carnival Parade of the Bands
Venue: Port of Spain
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Code: TTC2025 (Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2025)
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