T&T – Archbishop Criticises Carnival Band Over Adult Toy Giveaway

2026-02-11 - 14:47

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon has sharply criticised Tribe Carnival for including an adult pleasure device in its Carnival goodie bags distributed to female masqueraders, saying the move signals that the festival has descended into “hedonism.” Delivering daily Mass at the Archbishop’s Chapel in Port of Spain yesterday, Gordon said the popular Carnival band had “gone too far,” repeating the phrase several times during his remarks. He warned that if Carnival promoters fail to exercise self-regulation, citizens may be forced to call on the Government to intervene. “I have been reflecting on the Carnival,” Gordon told congregants, referencing his past public commentaries on the festival’s cultural trajectory. Two years ago, he authored Rekindling Our Carnival Rhythms, tracing the evolution of Carnival from the pre-Emancipation period and arguing that the festival mirrors the social history of the nation. “As Carnival goes, so our nation is,” Gordon said. “It is really only reflecting who we are; it is not driving it, but it is doing both.” While acknowledging Carnival’s rich artistic heritage—including the Canboulay Riots, Dimanche Gras, steelpan, and the Moko Jumbies—Gordon said the commercialisation of Carnival Monday and Tuesday, along with the rise of the fete industry, has altered the festival’s character. “This is big business—very big business,” he said, noting that several major bands are controlled by a small number of stakeholders. “They are no longer where people used to gather and make Carnival costumes as a community and celebrate as a community.” Gordon pointed to Tribe Carnival’s inclusion of the adult toy in its gift bags as evidence that the festival’s commercial wing is pushing boundaries too far. “Just as I have asked the Government to regulate social media for the sake of our children, if Tribe cannot pull back on its own, I think the Government would have to regulate it. Hashtag Tribe gone too far,” he said. “Handing an adult sex toy to every female buying a costume—hashtag Tribe gone too far.” The Archbishop framed his criticism within a broader concern about youth exposure and moral direction, stating, “Our country is not for sale and our young people are not for sale. We, the good citizens of this beautiful country, have to start putting guardrails for our children.” Despite his criticism, Gordon emphasised his love for Carnival, noting his regular presence at panyards and events. “There is so much beauty about this Carnival that has come from the bowels and belly of our nation,” he said. “But what we are seeing here is big business... and you have to sensationalise to get people to come back again and again.” He warned that Trinidad and Tobago, as the cultural epicentre of Carnival in the region, sets the tone for other islands. “Whatever happens in Trinidad Carnival goes to Barbados, it goes to Grenada, it goes to St Vincent, it goes all up the islands. We cannot be the people exporting this level,” Gordon said. “What we have now reached to is hedonism.” Calling for a recalibration, he concluded: “We have to dial it back... Let’s get back to safety for our young people who want to play Carnival.” Tribe Responds The Express reached out to Tribe Carnival Chief Executive Officer Dean Ackin for comment. Ackin said he would address the Archbishop’s remarks today. However, in a statement last Saturday defending the inclusion of the adult pleasure device—branded as the “Rose”—in the band’s Valentine’s-themed goodie bags, Ackin said the concept emerged from discussions about gifting roses to masqueraders on Carnival Saturday. “You know Tribe—we’ve never been afraid to lead from the front,” Ackin said. He characterised the initiative as consistent with the band’s brand identity. “Carnival is about freedom, expression, fun and a little mischief, and as pioneers of the modern mas experience, we’re always looking for ways to keep things fresh, playful and memorable,” he said. Ackin maintained that Tribe has built its reputation on innovation and pushing creative boundaries. “We don’t just deliver costumes and drinks—we deliver an experience. And if that experience occasionally comes with a cheeky surprise that keeps people smiling and talking, well...that’s very much on brand for us,” he said. According to Ackin, public reaction to the initiative has included “laughter, excitement and plenty chatter.” The controversy now places renewed focus on the evolving identity of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival—balancing tradition, commercial expansion, and shifting cultural norms in one of the region’s most influential festivals.