In recent years Trinidad Carnival has been narrowly defined by fetes and mas. Covid-19 has given us an opportunity to look at the national festival anew and find innovative, exciting ways to properly illustrate its true richness.

The NCC for example, can sit and honestly address the viability of certain elements. I would first look at Dimanche Gras which has lost its place as a pinnacle event. It could still be a fantastic spectacle, but it has to have a focus.

For Dimanche Gras to succeed, it must be the the event at which the Calypso Monarch is crowned. The show's production values and aesthetics must evolve so it can be a pay per view option for those in the Diaspora.

The Calypso Monarch final is next. I would do a two-leg final, on Carnival Thursday and the finale at Dimanche Gras. Pick eight finalists, let them sing one song on Thursday. Make audience choice 10% of the vote and only the first four go to Sunday's show.

For the final at Dimanche Gras, the remaining four sing a new tune, urge them to make it uptempo. Let them work with a choreographer and stop the sketch comedy/farce that passes for presentations. Get the audience to participate in judging. Make it exciting!

Panorama needs a revamp too, especially for the live audience. The Grand Stand is boring and lacks vibes. Send the PanTrinbago officials to a couple of NBA games to see how to engage a crowd.