Decision to be Made on Noah Mills’ Future as Carnival Chairman

Carnival Committee Chairman’s Contract Set to Expire

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, the Hon. Shawn Richards, has indicated that a decision is yet to be made regarding Noah Mills’ future as Chairman of the National Carnival Committee when his contract expires this year.

Mills has been the Carnival Chairman since 2015 and was signed to a three-year deal to lead the committee. According to Richards, the contract will run out later this year, and the position will be reviewed when it does. “A decision will be made one way or the other,” Richards said.

Mixed Reactions to Mills’ Performance

Richards admitted that there are individuals who have had concerns with Mills, but he emphasized the importance of objectivity in judging his performance. “Noah has brought quite a number of ideas to carnival. He has been controversial, yes, with some persons, but if you are going to give the criticisms, also give praise for the positives, and I think that to a large part has been okay,” he said.

Controversies Surrounding Mills’ Tenure

Mills has been involved in several controversies during his tenure, including a public dispute with some soca artists who have since boycotted the Soca Monarch competition, refusing to participate as long as he remains in the position. He has also been criticized by calypsonians who accused the Carnival Committee of trying to stifle their voice after they attempted to implement a vetting clause in 2016 that stated a panel appointed by the committee would review the lyrics and music of the artists.

Richards’ Appreciation for Carnival Committee’s Hard Work

Richards expressed his appreciation for the hard work put in by the carnival committee, noting that managing carnival is not an easy task. “Managing Carnival is not easy, and I have a real appreciation for what the Carnival Committee has to go through. Attending all of the shows from beginning to end, participating in all other carnival-related activities, being there for Jouvert – it takes a toll on you afterwards,” he said.

Carnival Committee’s Recent Efforts

Richards commended the Carnival Committee for their recent efforts, including the staging of Sugar Mas 46, which ended on January 3. However, he acknowledged that some improvements could be made. “I really want to commend the Carnival Committee for managing Carnival. There are times, because of circumstances beyond their control, things will go wrong. These things they probably need to pay more attention to, and as time goes by, some of them will be corrected,” he said.

Future of National Carnival

The 47th staging of National Carnival, dubbed Sugar Mas, is expected to be held from November 2018 to January 2019.

Conclusion

The decision regarding Noah Mills’ future as Carnival Chairman remains pending, and it is unclear what the outcome will be. Regardless, the Carnival Committee will continue to work towards putting on a successful event, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, the Hon. Shawn Richards, will continue to monitor their progress.

FAQs

* What is the current status of Noah Mills’ contract as Carnival Chairman?
+ The contract is set to expire this year, and a decision has yet to be made regarding his future.
* What has been the controversy surrounding Mills’ tenure as Carnival Chairman?
+ Mills has been involved in several controversies, including a public dispute with soca artists and criticism from calypsonians over the vetting clause.
* What is the appreciation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, the Hon. Shawn Richards, for the Carnival Committee’s hard work?
+ Richards has expressed his appreciation for the hard work put in by the Carnival Committee, noting that managing carnival is not an easy task.