Trinidad and Tobago’s Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen has initiated a coordinated national sanitation framework for Carnival 2026, engaging multiple government agencies and municipal authorities to ensure comprehensive cleanliness measures throughout the festival season.
The ministry announced on January 12 that Minister Ameen convened strategic meetings with National Carnival Commission CEO Keiba Mottley to establish a unified sanitation approach for all NCC-hosted Carnival events. The collaboration specifically targets major Carnival hubs including Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas, and Arima, while also encompassing community-based celebrations across Trinidad’s regions.
Minister Ameen stressed the critical need for seamless coordination between municipal corporations and NCC regional coordinators to guarantee effective planning and implementation. The ministry has further partnered with the Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL) under Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, leveraging the organization’s specialized equipment and technical expertise to enhance sanitation operations.
Additional meetings are scheduled at both ministerial and municipal levels, involving mayors, chairpersons, and chief executives of all regional corporations. Minister Ameen confirmed that sanitation preparations will extend to events still undergoing finalization, including peripheral areas surrounding primary Carnival zones. She emphasized the extensive experience of regional corporation staff and public health inspectors, many of whom possess years of expertise in managing large-scale sanitation operations.
The minister expressed confidence in achieving a successful sanitation initiative that will maintain hygienic standards throughout Carnival 2026 festivities.