The previously announced limited version of Vincy Mas has been pushed aside for now as a full return of Carnival has been given the green light for 2022 based on the current health protocols.
In a news conference yesterday, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Carlos James, says preparations are underway for events scheduled for the Easter weekend and Vincy Mas.
Initially, the limited format for Vincy Mas involved vaccinated events and the moving of the Tuesday parade to the E.T. Joshua airport tarmac, however, the minister says based on the current health protocols and low positivity rate, Vincy Mas 2022 will return to Victoria Park and the streets of Kingstown for the two days of the parade as the traditional mas would normally take place.
Events comprising Vincy Mas will be open to the general public. James warns however that if the COVID positivity rate moves to 5 per cent and above close to the dates of Carnival, the authorities will have to revert to the original planned controlled events.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation Ricardo Adams says the CDC received word last Friday that Vincy Mas can happen in its traditional sense.
He says restrictions on vaccinated persons versus unvaccinated persons have been removed.
“That means our clientele, the entire nation and anybody willing to get here for the physical participation of Vincy Mas… that bodes very well for our cultural component and people putting on private events. Now it basically opens the market to a much larger extent who they are able to facilitate.”
The CDC in discussions with the Chief Medical Officer agreed that based on the amendments it will commence with the promotion of a full Vincy Mas 2022. During the promotions, it will still encourage persons to follow sensible protocols.
