By: Paul Sarran
October 27, 2026
I woke up on Saturday morning trying to gather my thoughts and reflect on some of the issues affecting our country. I have written numerous commentary articles covering political, social and current affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as matters affecting the wider Caribbean. However, as I reflected on my recent contributions, I realised that I have not given enough attention to our sister island, Tobago, and the developments taking place there.
Sometimes, in our national conversations, Tobago does not receive the attention it deserves unless there is a political controversy, a major announcement or an issue affecting the relationship between the two islands. Yet Tobago has a rich cultural heritage, talented people and tremendous potential to contribute to the development of our twin-island republic. One area that deserves greater recognition is Tobago Carnival.
As Tobago prepares to celebrate the fifth edition of its standalone October Carnival, I believe this is an appropriate time to reflect on its achievements, its growing tourism potential.
The standalone Tobago Carnival was launched in October 2022, creating a distinct cultural event outside the traditional pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations shared by both islands. Since its introduction, the festival has helped provide another opportunity to attract visitors, stimulate economic activity and showcase Tobago as a destination with its own cultural identity.
Establishing a major cultural event requires planning, coordination, investment and the willingness to take risks. Tobago Carnival has demonstrated that the island can develop an event capable of attracting attention beyond its shores while creating opportunities for businesses, vendors, accommodation providers, entertainers and other stakeholders.
Tourism is an important part of Tobago’s economy, and events of this nature can contribute to increased visitor arrivals and spending. When visitors travel to Tobago for Carnival, they create opportunities for taxi operators, restaurants, guesthouses, hotels and small businesses to benefit. These economic activities can help communities, provided that the benefits are distributed fairly and that local entrepreneurs are given meaningful opportunities to participate.
Major events naturally require continuous evaluation. As the festival grows, the relevant organising committee and stakeholders should examine what has worked, what needs improvement and how the experience can be strengthened for future editions. Effective planning, transparent management, clear communication and coordination among stakeholders are essential to ensuring that Tobago Carnival remains successful and sustainable.
I understand that Trinidadian entertainers have an important place in the wider Carnival industry, and I have absolutely no objection to artistes from Trinidad performing in Tobago. Our twin-island republic shares a national identity, and collaboration between our entertainers can strengthen the cultural and entertainment industries across both islands.
At the same time, I believe Tobago Carnival must give greater prominence to Tobago’s own artistes, musicians, performers and cultural practitioners. If the festival is intended to showcase Tobago’s distinct cultural identity, then the people who represent that identity must be visible and meaningfully involved.
Tobago has talented individuals who deserve opportunities to perform before larger audiences, develop their careers and gain recognition for their contributions. Carnival provides an ideal platform to make this possible. The organisers should therefore consider giving local artistes prominent performance slots, greater representation on major stages and opportunities to collaborate with established performers from Trinidad and the wider Caribbean.
Visitors should be able to experience something that speaks directly to Tobago’s heritage, its people and its way of life. The island’s traditional masquerade, music, folklore, creativity and distinctive cultural expressions should not simply form a supporting feature of the celebrations. They should be central to the experience.
Tobago Carnival must also ensure that opportunities extend beyond established entertainers. Emerging artistes, young performers, cultural groups and community-based organisations should have avenues to participate. Such an approach would help preserve traditions while encouraging the next generation to appreciate, develop and promote their cultural inheritance.
There is also an economic argument for supporting local talent. When Tobagonian artistes are given meaningful opportunities, more of the festival’s spending can circulate within local communities. This can help build sustainable careers, encourage investment in creative industries and strengthen Tobago’s capacity to develop its own entertainment products.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of this standalone festival, the theme, spirit and purpose of Tobago Carnival should remain firmly connected to the island’s identity. Growth and international recognition are important, but they should not come at the expense of the very culture that makes the event distinctive.
I commend the organisers, the Tobago House of Assembly, the artistes, the cultural practitioners, the business community and everyone who has contributed to bringing Tobago Carnival to this stage. Their efforts have helped create an event with considerable potential for tourism, cultural preservation and economic development.
As a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, I embrace the continued growth of Tobago Carnival and look forward to another successful celebration. My hope is that, as the festival develops, Tobago’s local artistes and cultural traditions will receive the recognition they deserve.
Let Tobago Carnival grow, let visitors experience the island’s uniqueness, and let Tobagonians take pride in a festival that truly reflects who they are. After all, when Tobago’s culture shines, the entire twin-island republic has something to celebrate.
(Paul Sarran holds a BSc in Political Science from the University of the West Indies.)
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