Governor General Sir Rodney Williams

GG THRONE SPEECH CONTRIBUTION ON THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: Although our Carnival is the largest national display of creativity and artistry, Carnival 2026 is shaping up to become the most outstanding since the start of the annual event, in 1957.

The Caribbean’s greatest Summer Festival is already gaining momentum and drive, and the artistes are already at work producing outstandingly for the enjoyment of spectators and music lovers.

My Government will inject several million dollars into the festival in order to ensure its success.

The airlines have already agreed to extra flights, the hotels and other places of accommodation are already planning for a bumper season.

The celebratory Carnival events are to be matched with a solemn ceremony, my Government agrees, marking 192 years since 1834, when forced labour was brought to an end throughout the British Empire.

The Reparations Committee, led by a very competent advocate, will ensure that the significance of 1st August 1834 is not lost in the merrymaking.

Our nation’s 45 years of Independence, coming on 1st November 2026, will also provide the leadership of the Ministry to engage meaningfully with all those elements of thanksgiving that mark our people’s climb out of degradation and exploitation.