MacFarlane praised for changes to CHOGM ceremony

The Indo-Trinbago Equality Council (ITEC) has sent a letter of appreciation to Carnival mas designer Brian MacFarlane for including a chutney/bollywood act in the cultural piece for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) opening ceremony on November 27.

Following the Fifth Summit of the Americas opening ceremony in April, the producer was criticised by many including, the organisation for an insufficient East Indian cultural representation.

The organisation's chairman Devant Maharaj in a telephone interview on Tuesday said the Council was thankful that MacFarlane acknowledged their concerns.

MacFarlane, who recently launched his 2010 presentation This is Resurrection, The Mas held at Buccoo Reef in Tobago, said he received the letter on Tuesday.

Entertainers such as Sparrow, Denyse Plummer and Mungal Patasar have already been confirmed for the opening ceremony, which MacFarlane said will be a grand and exciting portrayal of Trinidad and Tobago's culture.
Trinidad Express