In a move that has sent shockwaves through Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment sector, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has imposed a ban on all fetes and Carnival-related events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and other Udecott-controlled facilities. The decision, announced on November 12, has been met with fierce criticism from the TT Promoters Association (TTPA), which labeled the move as “destructive, short-sighted, and a death knell for the entertainment industry.” The TTPA has called for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to reconsider the ban, but Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that the decision is final and irreversible. The ban, which took immediate effect, has left many promoters scrambling to find alternative venues just three months before Carnival. The BLCA, located on the outskirts of San Fernando, has long been a hub for major Carnival events, including Stink and Dutty, Xperience, and Naps Fete. While the Prime Minister cited noise pollution and its impact on nearby residents as the primary reason for the ban, the TTPA argued that the decision was made without proper consultation and could devastate the local economy. The association highlighted that Carnival events employ over 100,000 people across various sectors, including artists, musicians, and security personnel. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin defended the decision, emphasizing the need to balance cultural celebrations with community well-being. Meanwhile, San Fernando mayor Robert Parris sees the ban as an opportunity to revitalize the city’s entertainment sector, with Skinner Park poised to become a new focal point for large-scale events.