The career of David Lopez in the Carnival arena dates back to 1984 with the Carnival Development Committee (CDC) and the National Carnival Commission (NCC), where he began as a gate guard and track steward. In 1987 after gaining some experience in the Carnival field, he took on responsibilities in the hospitality and bar section for four years, until 1990. From 1990 to 1995 he was a member of the hospitality committee, a sub-committee of the NCC board. This proved to be the real start of his many years in Carnival at the organising/management level. Since then he has progressed through various positions of increasing responsibility having joined the National Carnival Bands Association of T&T (NCBA) in 1998. In 2005 he was elected to the executive board of the NCBA and was officially appointed as the operations manager of the association; in 2009 he was elected vice-president. He was also selected as the coordinator for both Carifesta VIII in August 2003 in Suriname and Carifesta IX in September 2006 in Trinidad.
As a member of the NCBA executive, Lopez was instrumental—along with other members of the executive—for the Incorporation by Act of Parliament No 27 of 2007 of the National Carnival Bands Association of T&T. He helped expand the NCBA, with the opening of the NCBA San Fernando office. He became NCBA president in October 2010, due to the passing of Owen Hinds. He was duly elected for another term from 2012-2015. With some 30 years of Carnival experience at all different levels under his belt, the Sunday Guardian caught up with the busy president.
What is your vision of a perfect Carnival Monday and Tuesday?
We could never get perfection, but as close to it as possible. Given the history of Carnival as an event, the first vision is creating a congestion-free route. This is accomplished via working with all stakeholders to ensure the paying participants, the masqueraders, have a safe and enjoyable event. Consideration must also be given to the spectators and vendors.
What is the primary role and function of the NCBA?
To produce the 11 shows, starting with the preliminary appearances of the kings, queens and individuals, to the last show, the Senior Parade of the Bands. The NCBA also has the responsibility for the preservation of the traditional character masquerades which is the bedrock of T&T Carnival. The NCBA has the moral obligation to ensure that anyone who enters any of its competitions will be judged with integrity and fairly compensated for their appearance and placing within the competitions. The NCBA also has responsibilities to all participating bands including: providing for them an environment that is safe, based on recommendations from all stakeholders; procuring prize monies for competition winners via negotiations with the Government’s arm, the National Carnival Commission (NCC); procuring ideal competition locations and facilities.
Paramount is the NCBA’s responsibility to develop the mas industry as evident in initiatives such as the NCBA Mas Academy, charged with the mandate to pass on the knowledge of mas making and management, and producing trained employable graduates who can contribute to the growth of Trinidad Carnival and other Carnivals globally.
How would you describe your job at the NCBA?
A challenging job that is easy because I love what I am doing. The challenges occur as managing the NCBA incorporates managing people; but I love what I am doing.
What is the favourite and least favourite part about your job?
My favourite part is the opportunity to see the growth of T&T Carnival. I have been assisting with Carnivals in Grenada, St Lucia, Jamaica, England, Gauteng in South Africa, and Calabar in Nigeria. Calabar is now recognised as Africa’s biggest “street party” and I was fortunate to be involved and continue to be involved in its development. However, my ultimate satisfaction is seeing the look of enjoyment on the faces of all masqueraders who participate in the parade. My least favourite part is seeing all the bickering and divisions within the mas fraternity which hinders the growth of the fraternity and by extension the growth of our Trinidad Carnival industry.
What challenges are you and your team facing for Carnival 2014?
The resistance to change is what our team faces for Carnival 2014. While we all say we want change, it becomes challenging when people show reluctance to accept change.
How would you like your post-analysis of Carnival 2014 to read?
That the change recommended for the reduction of parade route congestion was successful. With this occurring, the NCBA would have accomplished one of its major objectives, which is to facilitate masqueraders’ enjoyment of a free-flowing parade route.
What is your favourite thing about Carnival?
The opportunity to do what I do best. To see the satisfied faces on masqueraders and share in the enjoyment of teamwork, working behind the scenes in preparation for the NCBA events.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
My grandmother, may her soul rest in peace. She taught me family values such as respect for people and their belongings; humility and the responsibility for one’s own destiny.
What are some of your Carnival-related achievements?
As mentioned previously, my assistance with Calabar Carnival in Nigeria. However, at home, I was primarily responsible for a number of initiatives and successes including: being the lead person for the incorporation of the NCBA; the streamlining of the mas adjudication process to one that is online and real-time; operating on a secure and encrypted platform with the assistance from a local IT solution and web development company which understands Carnival; other electronic/computerised initiatives; the video production and streaming of all NCBA events on the Web site ncbatt.com with assistance from a dynamic market research and brand intelligence company which understands our Trinidad Carnival as a brand; the development of a Mas Academy and outreach programme to facilitate the passing on of knowledge of T&T Carnival development.
What are your favourite calypso and soca songs of all time?
From the Mighty Sparrow, Education. For soca, it would be David Rudder’s The Hammer.
Which super power, if you could have one, would you like to have, and why?
I am very comfortable in my own skin (chuckles).
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Arima and grew up at Simeon Road, Petit Valley.
Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do.
To have the opportunity to make a difference and spreading the T&T culture throughout the world.
Who was your hero or “idol” growing up and why? And who do you admire most today?
Nelson Mandela. He was committed and believed in what he was doing. I admired his persistence in the struggle to stand up against injustice, against all odds. He touched the lives of so many people—those with whom he came into contact, and those with whom he never came into contact. I was blessed with the opportunity to visit his home at 8115 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto 1804, South Africa.
Today, I admire Barack Obama the most. Against all odds, he accomplished what no one expected him to.
At what schools or institutions did you receive your education?
I attended primary school at Petit Valley Boys RC. I then went on to Daniel’s Education Institute. From there I had training and experience in financial and business operations, and I attended courses at The University of the West Indies.
What daily motto or credo do you live by; and in three words, what is your recipe for success?
“One day at a time.” My recipe for success: Dedication, Perseverance, Respect.
What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
My most difficult decision was to decide to continue to lead this organisation given the challenges which I faced.
What advice would you give to the country’s leaders to create a better society?
Stop playing the blame game and address the issues at hand. Lead by example and set standards that citizens would make the citizens of T&T proud.
What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
An early retirement where I can be of assistance by passing on my knowledge and experience gained for the development of people, and touching lives.
Describe yourself in two words: one beginning with D, the other with L (your initials).
Devoted and Loyal.