The National Carnival Commissions’ stick-fighting semi-final had to be cancelled last night after stick fighters refused to participate because of unpaid fees. The event was supposed to take place at the Arima Velodrome last night (Feb. 7th).

The NCC in a statement said that the competition would now be postponed indefinitely as they had already paid the fighters in advance for the semis and could not meet their demands for an increase in prize money.

“After an agreement by the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) to meet the demands of the stick fighters for payment of the prizes from the preliminary round, held on January 24 in Moruga, as well as provide advance payments on the semifinal round, held at the Arima Velodrome on February 7, even prior to its commencement, the NCC was unable to meet the fighters’ on-the-spot demands for an immediate increase in prize monies.”

As a result of the impasse, the National Stick Fighting Competition 2020 has been postponed until further notice.The NCC apologises to the public for any inconvenience caused by this unforeseen development.”