The decision to discontinue Carnival fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) has sparked significant controversy, particularly following statements by Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin. Since her appointment in May, Minister Benjamin has engaged with various Carnival and cultural stakeholders, promoting her efforts under the hashtag #MinisterMeets. However, her recent stance on the BLCA issue appears to contradict her earlier public relations efforts. The ban, announced by Udecott Chairman Shankar Bidaisee, cites wear and tear as the primary reason, with Prime Minister Keith Rowley reinforcing the decision by highlighting noise pollution concerns. This has raised questions about the consistency and transparency of the government’s approach. Critics argue that the noise issue has not been substantiated by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), which is responsible for monitoring such matters. Moreover, the decision has been viewed as a distraction from pressing economic and political challenges, including rising crime rates, unemployment, and foreign exchange crises. The controversy has also drawn attention to the broader implications for other venues like the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Queen’s Park Savannah, where similar noise concerns exist. As the debate continues, many fear that this issue could further erode public trust in the government’s ability to address the nation’s most critical problems.