The terms and conditions for using the National Stadium for Carnival 2014 do not allow for vehicles to be on the field.
Major Carnival activities over the years have taken place at the National Cricket Stadium, but this year the Spicemas Corporation is challenged for an appropriate venue because of Cricket games scheduled for the same venue eight days after.
Venues for cricket games are generally under the control of the WICB for months or weeks before a game, and thus that venue is restricted from hosting certain events. Grenada’s cricket stadium is scheduled to host two One-Day International games on 20 & 22 August, as well as a practice match on 17 August at Progress Park, Grenville.
Alistair Bain, Chairman of the Spicemas Corporation, said that the one of the conditions for getting limited use of the field, is not having vehicles drive onto the field. He said that the Corporation is fully aware that such a decision will put some limitations on the performance of some artistes in the various competitions, but he is hopeful that with them knowing about the terms and conditions early, the necessary adjustments will be made to the props for the various nights.
At the media launch of the Spicemas 2014, it was announced that Carnival will be held at the Roy St John Playing Field at Tanteen, but eventually a decision was made to host it at the National Stadium with limitations. The cost of preparing the Tanteen playing field was seen as too costly.
Bain said that Kiddie’s carnival which is scheduled for 2 August will be held at the Tanteen Netball Court. Panorama will also be held at Tanteen on 9 August. The National Stadium will be the venue for National Queen Show on 7 August; National Groovy and Soca Monarch competitions on Friday 8 August; and the Dimanche Gras which will be held on Sunday 10 August.
The SMC will also be collaborating with promoters of “Prepay” to be held on Wednesday 6 August at the National Stadium.
By Linda Straker
