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THE Government has spent about $137 million in direct allocations for Carnival 2026, generating nearly 2,000 jobs and supporting vendors, regional communities, and cultural workers across Trinidad and Tobago, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Culture and Community Development.

Speaking at a news conference held yesterday at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin disclosed that 1,447 individuals were employed directly through Government-supported Carnival operations. These positions included 400 road marshals, 200 ushers, and 83 compliance officers, along with custodians, labourers, electricians, carpenters, welders, administrators, creatives, and event coordinators assigned to Carnival sites and activities.

When employment generated through mas bands, steelpan activity, costume production, logistics, security services, and the hospitality sector is taken into account, the total number of jobs created for Carnival 2026 was placed at nearly 2,000.