Canadian News

Toronto Caribbean Carnival appoints new GM, Richard de Lima

New GM brings 30 years of experience in business management, tourism and hospitality to the 52nd year of the Caribbean Carnival celebrations in Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, December 5, 2018 – Richard de Lima, officially appointed as General Manager of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on December 1st, will be responsible for the overall management of the Festival Management Committee (FMC) and the production of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Canada’s celebration of freedom and diversity.

In addition to a 30-year career in engineering and business management, including experience working for major tourism, hospitality and entertainment organizations in Canada, the Caribbean and other international locations, de Lima brings a passion for Carnival arts and culture, with his 43 years as a “mas maker”, masquerader and steelpan aficionado.

“We are grateful to be working with an executive that combines both the required operational skills along with a deep knowledge of and passion for Caribbean Carnival operations”, says Joe Halstead, FMC Chairman. “We look forward to our 52nd year of the celebration under his guidance and leadership.”

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a four-week long, annual summer celebration of Caribbean arts and culture that takes place in Toronto’s downtown core, with events and activations across the greater Toronto area. The FMC is the organization that oversees the event’s annual planning, operations, budget and production.

“I look forward to working with our key stakeholders in the Mas, Pan and Calypso communities to forge truly collaborative relationships, where my objective is to evolve the Toronto Caribbean Carnival to be the best carnival in the world,” says de Lima. “As Canada’s celebration of freedom and diversity, our objective is to engage and invite Canadians and visitors from coast to coast to participate and experience the “Festival of Joy” that happens every summer in Canada’s downtown.”

About Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Festival Management Committee (FMC) is the official producer of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Canada’s four-week long celebration of freedom and diversity.  Established in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, the event formerly known as “Caribana”, has evolved into North America’s largest event of its kind with over 1 million participants annually and showcases the very best of Canadian Caribbean arts and culture. For more information, please visit www.torontocarnival.ca or connect with us on social media @gotocarnival.

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