Shuggy says he is heading to Trinidad and Tobago to study Carnival.
Specifically, he wants to understand its economic success.

St. Mary’s South MP Kelvin “Shugy” Simon shared the plan publicly.
Accordingly, the visit will focus on learning, not celebration.

Simon said Trinidad has turned Carnival into a major economic driver.
Therefore, he wants to apply those lessons at home.
The goal is to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s summer festival.

He explained that the trip will examine intellectual property protection.
In particular, he wants better safeguards for creatives.
These protections, he said, are critical to long-term success.

At the same time, Simon pointed to Trinidad’s marketing strategy.
He noted that Carnival is promoted as a full economic season.
As a result, tourism and business activity increase nationwide.

Simon praised Antigua’s Carnival without hesitation.
He described it as “second to none.”
However, he said improvement is still possible.

According to Simon, stronger planning is needed.
Likewise, he said better marketing is essential.
Cultural infrastructure, he added, must also improve.

Together, these elements could elevate the festival’s global profile.
Therefore, the Trinidad model is worth studying closely.

Simon also stressed the importance of regional cooperation.
In particular, he urged deeper collaboration through CARICOM.
He believes shared knowledge can benefit all member states.

Trinidad’s long-term approach stood out to him.
He said it shows how consistency builds value over time.
That approach, he believes, can be adapted regionally.

Simon argued that Carnival should drive both culture and commerce.
When planned well, he said, festivals support creatives and businesses.
They also strengthen national identity.

He emphasized that learning from neighbors is not a weakness.
Instead, he called it a strategic move.
Sharing best practices, he said, lifts the entire region.

Ultimately, Simon wants Antigua and Barbuda to think bigger.
He wants Carnival positioned as an economic engine.
That vision, he said, requires planning and cooperation.

The Trinidad visit, he explained, is a starting point.
From there, lessons can shape future policy.
In turn, Carnival’s impact could grow far beyond the parade.