Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — The National Payment and Innovation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NPICTT), in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission (NCC), has launched a point-of-sale (POS) distribution initiative designed to enable vendors operating at the Carnival Centre to accept secure digital payments throughout the Carnival season.
The initiative provides Carnival vendors with modern POS terminals, allowing them to accept debit and credit card payments in addition to cash. This shift supports faster transactions, reduces the risks associated with cash handling, and enhances convenience for both vendors and patrons attending the Carnival Centre, particularly during peak periods.
The rollout forms part of NPICTT’s broader mandate to expand access to national digital payment infrastructure across public- entities and their customers. By bringing electronic payment acceptance directly to small vendors, the initiative supports inclusive participation in the digital economy and helps ensure that micro and small businesses are not left behind as payment preferences continue to evolve.
The NCC has partnered closely with NPICTT in identifying and onboarding vendors operating within the Carnival Centre. This collaboration ensures that the solution is tailored to the operational realities of Carnival events and that vendors receive the necessary support to adopt digital payment tools seamlessly within a high-traffic environment.
Network connectivity for the POS terminals is provided by Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), which is supporting the initiative as the network partner. TSTT’s infrastructure enables reliable, real-time transaction processing, ensuring that vendors can operate efficiently even during periods of high transaction volume.
“This initiative demonstrates how collaboration between national institutions can deliver tangible benefits to small vendors while modernising the way commerce is conducted at Carnival,” said Nigel Fulchan, Chairman of NPICTT. “By working closely with the NCC and leveraging strong national partners, we are ensuring that vendors are better equipped to serve the public safely and efficiently.”
Beyond convenience, the initiative also supports improved transparency for the vendors and their transactions. Digital payment records provide clearer visibility into sales activity, supporting better business management for vendors while aligning with national objectives around secure and modern payment systems.
The Carnival Centre rollout represents a practical application of digital transformation at a national cultural level, demonstrating how technology can enhance both economic activity and the overall Carnival experience for vendors and patrons alike.
