JOHN ARNOLD

John Arnold was born in Mt. Lambert, Trinidad but grew up his entire life in Tobago. He demonstrated his creativity early, at age 8, by learning to play the piano and using his ear to play popular tunes he heard on the radio. He grew up playing for a number of churches throughout Trinidad and Tobago. While at high school, John was a regular pianist for school activities, camps and other youth related activities.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of the West Indies, St.Augustine; a Professional Certificate in Event Management from the  George Washington University;  a Certificate in Hospitality Sales and Marketing from the American Hotel and Motel Association; a certificate in Harmony and  Arrangement from Berklee College of Music, Boston; and just completed two years- the taught component of the Executive M.B.A a the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business, U.W.I.

John  taught Business at Signal Hill Secondary School for over twenty three years, served as Musical Director for the National Contingent to Carifesta on three occasions within the last two  decades, hosted a Radio show of World Music for five years on Tambrin Radio, received a Cacique Award for musical direction of Bassman , served on the COTT board  from 2005-2008, chairman of Tobago Heritage Festival 1990-1992 and continues to serve on the Festivals Committee of the Tobago House Of Assembly.

John is a tenacious, "Type-A" personality with strong attention to detail and shares his knowledge/skills of event planning and culture with many persons and organizations. John has been the main brain behind many of the events initiated by the Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago House of Assembly. These include the Tobago Jazz Festival, Tobago Muhtadi International Drumming Festival, Tobago Gospel Festival, Tobago Jazz Experience, and many other signature events in Tobago. He has also co-ordinated international meetings and coordinated Tourism Promotional Tours to Latin America, Europe, Asia and North America.

John is frequently sought after for choral and music workshops in the region and has conducted sessions in the Caribbean and Latin America. John is also the founder and musical director of the illustrious Signal Hill Alumni Choir and has toured all over the world as ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago’s great culture. He is also the leader of Tobago’s only Jazz ensemble the Kariwak Players.

John is currently the event coordinator with the Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago and is the most experienced event planner on the Island. He has served on many event planning committees for the Tobago House of Assembly. He enjoys the sea, reading and watching movies.