National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Allison Demas has resigned. Her resignation comes days before her term on the board expires on November 11. The new board is expected to be named on Tuesday. Demas sent her resignation letter to Culture Minister Lincoln Douglas on Wednesday and in a telephone interview yesterday she confirmed the letter was just a formality, as Douglas had already been verbally apprised of her decision.
In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the T&T Guardian, Demas says she was unable to renew her appointment owing to “pressing business and family commitments. “I had already signalled my intention to resign. I believe the matter will be discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting or the one next week,” she said. Demas’ letter to Douglas, which was copied to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, notes a 30 per cent reduction in the cost of the 2014 Carnival as compared to last year’s figures. She credits that saving to the implementation of new procurement policies.
According to financial documents obtained by the T&T Guardian costs for construction and dismantling of the North Stand, various other booths and other judging points added up to over $34 million for 2014. The same job cost a massive $54.7 million in 2013. Demas said though the same construction company was used, the new procurement policy saved over $20 million. Under Demas’ watch, the NCC was also able to save over $26 million for the provision and cleaning of toilets. In 2013, the NCC spent $36.9 million on toilets and cleaning but by 2014, that figure had been reduced to $10.4 million.
Demas had held the reins at the NCC for the past two years and described the chairmanship as a “hot seat.” She said whoever took over her position must be prepared to take Carnival to the next level. While Demas did not suggest her replacement, the T&T Guardian understands that Carnival stakeholders have tipped current NCC vice-chairman Don Sylvester to fill the role. The T&T Guardian was also told Douglas had already hand picked Demas’ replacement from within the Congress of the People (COP). Demas’ exit comes amid discussions and assurances that the Ebola virus will not hamper the upcoming festivities.
