PNM PLEDGES RETURN OF TOBAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL AND NEW FILM OFFICE
At the ‘Big Bold Red Reveal’ held at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort on Sunday, Kwesi Des Vignes, the People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate for Mason Hall North/Moriah, outlined a comprehensive cultural and economic revitalization plan for Tobago. Des Vignes announced the party’s firm commitment to returning the Tobago Jazz Festival, promising a « bigger, better, and bolder » event designed to stimulate the island’s economy.
He emphasized that the revamped festival would extend beyond traditional hubs like Crown Point, ensuring economic benefits reach communities across the island, including Speyside, Castara, Signal Hill, and Plymouth. Des Vignes described Plymouth as the « Mecca of Jazz, » highlighting its central role in the proposed revival.
Beyond the festival, Des Vignes unveiled plans to launch a Tobago Film and Content Fund and a dedicated Film Office. The initiative aims to attract international filmmakers while simultaneously developing local talent to produce Tobagonian stories for a global audience. The proposal includes digital support for creatives—ranging from musicians and dancers to artisans—to help them market their content internationally and secure copyright protection.
Des Vignes asserted that under a PNM administration, all forms of cultural expression, including Calypso, Gospel, and various dance forms, would receive tangible support, positioning Tobago’s culture as a key driver of economic transformation. He concluded by stating the party intends to build on its 21-year history to deliver a « red vision » that transforms the island.
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