“Traditions of Carnival 2011 ”- which is a category of the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy competition - was launched in Siparia, last Saturday.

In his address, Community Development Minister Nizam Baksh said the category, which was introduced eight years ago to preserve the traditions of Carnival, held special significance for Siparia because it was the hometown and constituency of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Baksh said Carnival had become distant from its initial purpose.

“The noble ideal of the richness and diversity of our Carnival has been pushed off the pedestal by more material and carnal interest,” he said.

Baksh also noted that long before people grew weary of the values, or lack thereof in Carnival, the Ministry of Community Development came up with the idea to preserve the traditions of the National Festival.

Baksh announced that $90,000 in prize money was available for competitors in the category of dance, soca, chutney, sailor, Dame Lorraine and literature.

Groups from all over the country participated in the day- long launch which was held at Irwin Park, Siparia.