The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) has officially commenced registration procedures for its highly anticipated 2026 Carnival competitions. Registration opened December 8 across multiple zonal offices including the head office in Woodbrook, North Zone office in Port of Spain, South/Central Zone office in San Fernando, East Zone office in Arima, and Tobago’s office in Scarborough.
Eligibility extends to all citizens and naturalized citizens, with tiered registration fees reflecting membership status. Financial members will pay $100 for senior competitions, while non-members face a $500 fee. Members with outstanding dues can regularize their status for $150 per year of lapsed membership.
TUCO President Ainsley King revealed in a December 8 interview that prize structures remain undetermined as the organization awaits commitments from potential sponsors. King acknowledged TUCO’s significant reliance on government funding, noting concerning signals from recent sponsorship withdrawals from other cultural organizations like Pan Trinbago.
While no official confirmation of funding reductions has been received, King observed that ‘it is not business as usual’ regarding traditional sponsorship patterns. The president confirmed TUCO has contingency plans, including re-engaging previous sponsors, should primary funding sources diminish.
Critical registration deadlines have been established: National Calypso Monarch (January 9, 3pm), National Extempo Monarch (January 30, 3pm), National Freestyle Monarch (January 30, 3pm), National Road March Competition (February 13, 3pm), and National Junior Calypso Monarch (January 13, 3pm). Interested participants can seek additional information at tucoamc2026@gmail.com.