PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 26, 2026
TTCBA Extends Financial Assistance to Tobago Carnival Bands, Reaffirming Commitment to the National Mas Fraternity
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development and advancement of the national mas fraternity through the provision of financial assistance to member bands participating in the 2026 Tobago October Carnival.
The official distribution ceremony took place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bon Accord Community Centre, Tobago, where assistance was provided to participating TTCBA member bands.
This initiative reinforces the Association’s commitment to ensuring that meaningful representation and support extend across both Trinidad and Tobago, recognising the important contribution of the sister isle to the national Carnival landscape.
As the organisation representing the largest number of Carnival bands nationally, the TTCBA continues to advocate for the interests of the fraternity. Its representation on the Board of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) further strengthens its institutional voice and influence in matters affecting the Carnival industry.
The Tobago initiative follows the TTCBA’s provision of financial assistance to junior Carnival bands during Trinidad Carnival 2026, further demonstrating the current administration’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to its membership.
TTCBA President, Mr. Mark Ayen, emphasised the importance of meaningful representation and member support:
“Membership in the TTCBA must mean more than simply belonging to an organisation. It must represent having a voice, an advocate and an institution genuinely committed to your development. Whether in Trinidad or Tobago, our members must know that their interests matter. While we may not always be able to meet every need, we will continue to pursue opportunities, advocate for resources and do our utmost to support those we represent. Our commitment is to serve, strengthen and advance the entire mas fraternity.”
Mr. Ayen noted that these initiatives form part of the Association’s wider transformation under the current administration, with continued emphasis on institutional strengthening, improved member services, modernisation and greater opportunities for Carnival stakeholders.
The TTCBA also extends an open invitation to bandleaders, costume designers, Kings and Queens of Carnival, individual masqueraders and other stakeholders across Trinidad and Tobago to become members of the Association. Through membership, stakeholders can benefit from national representation, advocacy, developmental initiatives, access to information and assistance programmes as opportunities become available. The Association firmly believes that a stronger and more united membership creates a stronger voice for the entire mas fraternity.
As the TTCBA continues its programme of reform and development, it remains steadfast in its position that representation must translate into results, with its administration committed to ensuring that the needs of its members remain at the forefront of its national agenda, and to representing, supporting and advancing the interests of the mas fraternity throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
