The 2026 Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals will now be held at the National Botanical Gardens following consultations between the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), finalists and tent managers.
The original date and time – Friday, July 31, at 8 p.m. — remain unchanged.
The competition was initially moved from Kensington Oval to CARIFESTA House in Waterford to facilitate preparations for the State Service of Thanksgiving for National Hero and cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers.
In a statement issued late Friday, the NCF said extensive consultations and negotiations resulted in agreement on the National Botanical Gardens as the preferred venue.
Ronnie De Announcer Clarke represented the calypsonians and tent managers during the discussions, where several venue options were considered.
Kensington Oval, it said, remained unsuitable because preparations for the State Service on Wednesday, July 29, did not allow the turnaround required for Friday’s competition.
“The discussions also fostered a greater shared appreciation of why the original move was necessary,” the statement said.
“During the negotiations, the finalists and tent managers agreed on the National Botanical Gardens as their preferred venue and the best path forward in the interests of the calypsonians, patrons and the integrity of the competition.
“The Chief Executive Officer of the NCF subsequently sought and received the necessary support and approvals from Prime Minister Mia Mottley; Minister of State with responsibility for Youth and Culture, Senator Shane A. Archer; and the Board of Management of the NCF.
“This outcome reflects a constructive and collaborative process, with all parties now united in moving forward.”
The foundation thanked the finalists, tent managers and other stakeholders for their engagement and cooperation and assured that its teams and partners are “working assiduously to prepare the venue and deliver a grand, professionally produced spectacle that provides the best possible experience for artistes and patrons.”
(PR/BT)
