Close Menu
CaribbeanFocus
  • Lates News
  • Business
  • Entertainments
  • Food
  • Health
  • Immigration
    • Relocation & Expats
  • Lifestyle
  • Real Estate
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Caribbean Diaspora
  • Environment
  • World News
  • Discount Travel
  • Events
  • Marketplace
  • Products
What's Hot
ANGUILLA

US non-profit hosts free music programme and concert in Anguilla – Anguilla Focus

SAINT VINCENT

Bagga labourer pleads not guilty to wounding charge

Relocation & Expats

Essential Survival Tips for New Caribbean Expats

Subscribe to Updates

Get The Latest News, Updates, And Amazing Offers

Our Products
  • Tropical Time Machines: Science Fiction in the Con… Tropical Time Machines: Science Fiction in the Con... $35.00 Original price was: $35.00.$29.70Current price is: $29.70.
  • Nomad Nutrition Caribbean Curry | Instant Freeze D… Nomad Nutrition Caribbean Curry | Instant Freeze D... $14.00
  • Sugar Free Caribbean Jerk Wing Sauce (3 pack) | Je… Sugar Free Caribbean Jerk Wing Sauce (3 pack) | Je... $26.99
Important Pages:
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok Threads
Breaking News:
  • False alarm exposes St John’s emergency response gridlock
  • National Assembly Participates in 28th Conference Of Speakers And Presiding Officers Of The Commonwealth
  • Firearms and ammunition seized in Christ Church operation
  • Respiratory illness cases are on the rise at Robert Reid Cabral Hospital
  • ‘Batman’ pleads guilty to manslaughter, apologies to victim’s family
  • This All-Inclusive St. Thomas Resort Hides Bottles of Rum Underwater — and Guests Snorkel to Find Them
  • The Knowledge House builds a pipeline of tech talent rooted in the Bronx – Caribbean Life
  • Guyana in talks with UK companies on Phase 2 of Linden to Lethem Road Project
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Threads YouTube TikTok
CaribbeanFocus
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Travel Sports Store
  • Lates News

    The 10 Moments That Shook The Caribbean In 2025

    January 20, 2026

    A Food Lover’s Guide To Jamaican Cuisine: 15 Delicious Dishes You Need To Try

    November 17, 2025

    Why The U.S. Is Sending Warships To The Caribbean In 2025: A Deeper Look

    November 12, 2025

    Meet The Fierce, Fearless Caribbean Queens Of Miss Universe 2025

    October 27, 2025

    The 10 Largest Economies In The Caribbean

    October 20, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    The 10 Moments That Shook The Caribbean In 2025

    January 20, 2026

    Why The U.S. Is Sending Warships To The Caribbean In 2025: A Deeper Look

    November 12, 2025

    The 10 Largest Economies In The Caribbean

    October 20, 2025

    The Top 10 Most Influential Caribbean Artists Of 2025: Shaping The Global Music Scene!

    October 13, 2025

    The Top 10 Happiest Countries In The Caribbean

    October 6, 2025
  • Travel

    Discover the Hidden Gems of Caribbean UNESCO Heritage Sites

    August 29, 2025

    Wild Wonders: Discovering Island Life from Flamingos to Turtles

    August 28, 2025

    Dreamy Caribbean Destinations for Your Perfect Wedding

    August 27, 2025

    Discover the Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Travel

    August 26, 2025

    Explore the Caribbean: Top Eco-Friendly Travel Gems!

    August 25, 2025
  • Business

    Empowering Caribbean Entrepreneurs: Top Networking Opportunities

    February 5, 2025

    Thriving Caribbean Businesses: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

    February 4, 2025

    Navigating Growth: The Surging Startup Landscape in the Caribbean

    February 3, 2025

    Charting Growth: The Caribbean’s Thriving Startup Scene

    February 2, 2025

    Emerging E-Commerce Trends Shaping the Caribbean Market

    February 1, 2025
  • Entertainments

    Exploring the Vibrant World of Caribbean Entertainment Options

    June 25, 2025

    Exploring Family-Friendly Amusement Parks in the Caribbean

    June 24, 2025

    EDM Festivals Surge in the Caribbean: A New Cultural Wave

    June 23, 2025

    Exploring the Top Caribbean Carnivals for Vibrant Parades

    June 22, 2025

    Enchanting Caribbean Beach Bonfire Nights: Entertainment Awaits

    June 21, 2025
  • Sports

    Historic Caribbean Triumphs in Global Sports Competitions

    July 11, 2025

    Caribbean Athletes: Shaping Global Sports Landscape Today

    July 10, 2025

    Caribbean Rugby: Rising Popularity and Development Efforts

    July 9, 2025

    Caribbean Beach Soccer: Key Events and Teams to Watch

    July 8, 2025

    Celebrating Influential Caribbean Footballers and Their Journeys

    July 7, 2025
  • Health

    Embracing Tomorrow: Transforming Caribbean Healthcare Tech

    February 26, 2025

    Empowering Lives: The Heartfelt Impact of Caribbean Vaccination

    February 25, 2025

    Facing the Storm: Climate Change’s Toll on Caribbean Health

    February 24, 2025

    Healing Across Distances: Telemedicine’s Caribbean Revolution

    February 23, 2025

    Together for Tomorrow: Empowering Caribbean Moms and Kids

    February 22, 2025
  • Food

    A Food Lover’s Guide To Jamaican Cuisine: 15 Delicious Dishes You Need To Try

    November 17, 2025

    Mastering Caribbean Roti: A Culinary Artform Explored

    March 16, 2025

    Discovering the Caribbean’s Unique Tropical Fruits

    March 15, 2025

    Savoring the Caribbean: A Journey Through Island Cuisines

    March 14, 2025

    Perfect Pairings: Elevate Caribbean Cuisine with Ideal Drinks

    March 13, 2025
  • Immigration
    1. Relocation & Expats
    2. View All

    Comparing Long-Term and Short-Term Moves to the Caribbean

    July 10, 2025

    Embracing Remote Work: Thriving in the Caribbean Paradise

    July 9, 2025

    Navigating Caribbean Relocation: Insights for Expats

    July 8, 2025

    Unpacking Myths: The Realities of Caribbean Expat Life

    July 7, 2025

    Comparing Long-Term and Short-Term Moves to the Caribbean

    July 10, 2025

    Embracing Remote Work: Thriving in the Caribbean Paradise

    July 9, 2025

    Navigating Caribbean Relocation: Insights for Expats

    July 8, 2025

    Unpacking Myths: The Realities of Caribbean Expat Life

    July 7, 2025
  • Real Estate

    Unlocking Potential: Sustainable Real Estate in the Caribbean

    May 6, 2025

    Discover the Most Stunning Luxury Waterfront Homes in the Caribbean

    May 5, 2025

    Top Caribbean Islands for Digital Nomads: Live and Work

    May 4, 2025

    Exploring Fractional Real Estate in the Caribbean: Pros & Cons

    May 3, 2025

    Navigating Caribbean Real Estate During Peak Tourist Seasons

    May 2, 2025
  • Diaspora
  • Products
  • Caribbean
    • LIST 1
      • ARUBA
      • ANGUILLA
      • ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
      • BAHAMAS
      • BARBADOS
      • BELIZE
      • BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
    • LIST 2
      • CUBA
      • CAYMAN ISLANDS
      • CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS
      • CURACAO
      • DOMINICA
      • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
      • GUYANA
    • LIST 3
      • GRENADA
      • GUADELOUPE
      • HAITI
      • JAMAICA
      • MARTINIQUE
      • MONTSERRAT
      • PUERTO RICO (US)
      • SAINT VINCENT
    • LIST 4
      • SAINT BARTHÉLEMY
      • SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
      • SAINT LUCIA
      • SAINT MARTIN
      • SURINAME
      • TRINIDED AND TOBAGO
      • TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
      • UNTIED STATE VIRGIN ISLANDS
CaribbeanFocus
Home » US-Venezuela tensions, price hike on drinks, smokes: Hard times for Carnival
US-Venezuela tensions, price hike on drinks, smokes: Hard times for Carnival
TRINIDED AND TOBAGO December 31, 2025

US-Venezuela tensions, price hike on drinks, smokes: Hard times for Carnival

Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Copy Link


Features

Melissa Doughty


9 Hrs Ago

Some Carnival stakeholders anticipate smaller crowds at the 2026 festival.  -
Some Carnival stakeholders anticipate smaller crowds at the 2026 festival. –

ANOTHER Christmas season is rapidly fading into memory and another Carnival is ready to help people create fresh ones.

However, this is shaping up to be a Carnival with unique challenges such as increased alcohol prices, geopolitical tensions between Venezuela and the US, as well as fete bans at certain government-managed venues.

Despite all of these, TT Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) president Mark Ayen said the organisation was continuing preparations for Carnival 2026 with the information available to them.

“As you can see, the North Stand is being built, the big stage is being built, pan has had successful events so far, the festival is on and we are continuing to prepare for it based on the information that is available to us at the point in time,” Ayen said in a phone interview with Newsday.

He said while it was no secret that there are geopolitical tensions at this time, people who mentioned they had issues were choosing to do what they wanted to do, which was travel to TT or not. “But we have seen, to some extent, there have been enquiries about what is going on.”


Ayen said registration for mas competitions begin early in January and the organisation was getting ready to host the best Kings and Queens and junior carnival competitions people would see.

No choice but to absorb costs

Medium band, Petle Mas, leader Petle Claverie said bands would have to absorb losses caused by increased alcohol prices. With the added cost of alcohol and cigarettes and the threat of potential military action in nearby Venezuela, Claverie said Carnival 2026 may be smaller than usual.

In the reading of the 2025/2026 budget, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced the doubling of duties on alcohol and tobacco which led to an increase in prices for consumers.

From left to right: Petle masquerader with bandleader, Petle Claverie. He said bands would have to absorb the losses created by increased alcohol prices. –

In a phone interview, Claverie said the price of Carnival costumes would have been released since July/August – prior to Tancoo’s announcements.

“Mas is not something we could have just said, ‘Oh, alcohol went up by $300 so we have to raise the costumes by $300′.” This would have created a shock to the system, Claverie said.

He added that bands across the board, were looking to absorb whatever losses accrue from the increased prices.

“In the years to come, when bands have a little time to do the proper mathematics on it, the prices of costumes would go up once again and that is how I see it happening. This year, a lot of bands have had no choice but to absorb the cost.”


Asked what his band was doing to mitigate the increased cost, Claverie said his bar manager had not finalised figures as yet but some measures being considered are using more economical drink and smoke brands or managing the flow of drinks on the road a little tighter.

The increased cost might also affect the band’s ability to offer additional conveniences like more rest vehicles, he said. Medium and small bands are more susceptible to these market shocks, he added.

“We are generally the ones who are less supported by sponsors and that sort of stuff. Sponsors tend to go with the bigger bands. It is a lot harder for the small and medium bands and everybody would be looking at ways to reduce some of the expenses in order to cater for that added alcohol expense for sure.”

Claverie said his band was composed of 90 per cent local with foreign players coming to the band through family and friends, so the geopolitical tensions were not an immediate factor.

“Thus far, we have had no cancellations from any of our foreign registered masqueraders.”

But he did believe that it might affect the overall Carnival product. He said many of foreign masqueraders often make the decision to come to TT at the last minute.

“Those who would have probably been saying, ‘Alright, let me see if I could get my vacation or take days off and fly down to TT and get in and get out, those are ones who I think, would say, ‘Nah, that eh go make sense, boy’.”

He also said many might opt to go to other Carnivals in the region or across the globe as TT has done a fantastic job of exporting Carnival as a concept globally.

“Right now, there are carnivals in every corner of the globe and, I would say, they are largely based off of the TT model. And, what will happen, is that people in other countries will start to say, ‘It is better for us to just go Miami instead of going to TT next year.’


“We created the product and now we actually compete against the very same product we created. And moreso as we do things to damage TT’s reputation as being the Mecca of Carnival…as being the place where you go to have maximum freedom and enjoyment.

“As long as we keep doing things that deter masqueraders in that way, then they would revert to going to these other foreign carnivals which are cheaper for them.”

Claverie said 2026 Carnival might be a small one.

However, in media reports, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin predicted Carnival 2026 would be a bumper season.

‘Still come out and have fun’

Band leader of Tunapuna’s Antourage Productions, Leo Lakhan, said he had been affected “a whole lot” by increased alcohol prices. Despite this, he is urging citizens to come out to Carnival 2026 and enjoy themselves.

Carnival forms a major part of TT’s culture and the country should do its best to continue what it enjoys, he said.

Bandleader of Tunapuna’s Antourage Productions Leo Lakhan has called on TT to still come out and enjoy themslves despite some challenges faced during this year’s celebrations. He said Carnival was a major part of the country’s cultural fabric. –

Like Claverie, Lakhan said prices for Carnival packages had already been set before Government announced the increased price for alcohol and cigarettes.


“Remember, when we launched Carnival sections for 2026, we had already set a costing for packages for masqueraders.

“It was after, when all of our packages were released, that Government announced an increase in alcohol prices. It is not like we can go back and tell masqueraders who have already registered, that we would have to increase the prices for their packages.”

During the interview, Lakhan highlighted a new concern to the list of growing difficulties for band leaders: customs delays. He said he did not know what was causing this and only said that bands are experiencing this.

Lakhan was the first to quantify how these things were affecting his business. He said registration had definitely decreased by as much as 20 per cent.

“The registration has definitely decreased. This is the time for us where we would have got 50 per cent of our clientele being registered already. That is not the case now.”

He said only about 30 per cent of his usual clientele have already registered. The band falls in the medium category.

He is hoping some sort of arrangement could happen between now and Carnival 2026 that would ease the strain for Carnival producers.

The band has a high percentage of foreigners and they were still registered to play with the band, he said.

“Carnival is who we are at the end of the day. The Government should take into consideration that this period of Carnival in TT is something everyone looks forward to.


“A lot of people who take part in Carnival would feel depressed and I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

ANOTHER Christmas season is rapidly fading into memory and another Carnival is ready to help people create fresh ones.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Copy Link

Related Posts

‘Batman’ pleads guilty to manslaughter, apologies to victim’s family

Learning from the source – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Kamella Carmino unleashes Sōk-D’M, a fusion of soca, EDM

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn
  • Threads
Our Youtube Channels
Don't Miss
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA February 1, 2026

False alarm exposes St John’s emergency response gridlock

By Sharon N Simon [email protected] At approximately 11:20 am on Friday, all the workers in…

National Assembly Participates in 28th Conference Of Speakers And Presiding Officers Of The Commonwealth

February 1, 2026

Firearms and ammunition seized in Christ Church operation

February 1, 2026

Respiratory illness cases are on the rise at Robert Reid Cabral Hospital

February 1, 2026

‘Batman’ pleads guilty to manslaughter, apologies to victim’s family

February 1, 2026

Subscribe to Updates

Get The Latest News, Updates, And Amazing Offers

Our Products
  • Matouk’s Hot Pepper Sauce, 26 Ounce Matouk's Hot Pepper Sauce, 26 Ounce $14.99
  • La Fe Casabe Cassava Bread 7oz – 3 Pack – Authenti… La Fe Casabe Cassava Bread 7oz - 3 Pack - Authenti... $21.95
  • Spice Isle Sauces Tropical Heat Gourmet Sauce & Se… Spice Isle Sauces Tropical Heat Gourmet Sauce & Se... $28.00
  • Shea Butter Raw Unrefined 1 Lb Ivory Grade A from … Shea Butter Raw Unrefined 1 Lb Ivory Grade A from ... $9.99
About Us
About Us

CaribbeanFocus, we are your gateway to everything Caribbean—a vibrant platform that brings together the region’s culture, news, lifestyle, and opportunities. Our mission is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the heart of the Caribbean, no matter where you are in the world.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
Our Picks

Joachim Henry Weighs Political Future Amid Succession Talk

SAINT LUCIA May 6, 2025

Two Killed in Separate Daylight Shootings in Castries

SAINT LUCIA August 17, 2025

GFNC Nutricator: Children’s health newsletter

GRENADA May 17, 2025
Our Products
  • HELLFIRE RITUAL CARIBBEAN SPICED RUM-INFUSED HOT S… HELLFIRE RITUAL CARIBBEAN SPICED RUM-INFUSED HOT S... $14.99
  • Goldenfeast VL Caribbean Blend, 17.5 lb Bag, Natur… Goldenfeast VL Caribbean Blend, 17.5 lb Bag, Natur... $139.29 Original price was: $139.29.$97.75Current price is: $97.75.
  • Queen Majesty Scotch Bonnet & Ginger Hot Sauce, 5 … Queen Majesty Scotch Bonnet & Ginger Hot Sauce, 5 ... $13.75
© 2026 CaribbeanFocus.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.