Tobago is having a moment right now. The island’s natural beauty has always been a powerful draw, but today it’s paired with a dynamic calendar of cultural festivities that enrich the experience. From the rapidly expanding Tobago Carnival to beloved traditions like Tobago Heritage Festival and goat racing and the new kid on the block – the Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival, the island continues to offer much more than stunning views. These events are attracting tourists, driving economic activity and fueling livelihoods. And behind the scenes of many of the island’s defining festivals stands bmobile, a long-time partner invested in turning tradition into transformative growth.

Going far beyond a corporate sponsor, the national communications solution provider has positioned itself as an enabler of Tobago’s creative economy, recognising the value of culture as a bridge between economic resilience and global visibility.

But bmobile’s commitment doesn’t stop at culture. The company has also been expanding its technological footprint across Tobago, investing in infrastructure upgrades, broadband access and network resilience to ensure that the island is not only a centre of cultural excellence but a digitally connected destination ready to compete globally. These technological investments are pivotal in supporting the growing demands of live events, tourism, remote work, and the digital economy and are key enablers of Tobago’s long-term economic diversification.

Kent Western, CEO of TSTT, underscored the company's broader commitment, “bmobile’s role in national development is rooted not only in connectivity, but in building platforms that enable communities to thrive. In Tobago, our investment in the arts, culture and heritage is part of a long-term strategy to support sustainable economic activity, tourism and youth engagement. We believe in the power of Tobago’s cultural identity to inspire global audiences and generate real and lasting opportunities for its people.”
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival, held for the first time this year, welcomed over 5,000 attendees and drew praise for its immersive, homegrown approach.

Anjaana Downes, Marketing and Communications Manager of the Festival, shared that the impact extended far beyond entertainment, “One of the aims for this Festival was to highlight totally local artisans and entertainers and showcase their talent to a varied audience, in an intimate setting. The event provided an avenue for awareness, and in many cases, revenue for the artisans and artistes, some of whom potentially booked additional performances and appearances from being featured at the show. They were also given added publicity via our digital channels, which reach tens of thousands of followers worldwide.”

She also pointed to the wider economic ripple effect for Tobagonians,“This Festival brought real benefits to local personnel, retailers, roadside vendors, hotels and other accommodation providers, tour guides, car rental owners, taxi drivers, restaurants, everyone had a stake in the experience.”

This vision aligns closely with the strategic direction of the Tobago Festivals Commission. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Commission, sees events like the Rhythm and Soul Festival as essential building blocks, “This Rhythm and Soul Festival provided a valuable steppingstone for the development of a well-rounded product, and we can only build on what we have achieved thus far. Partners like bmobile are integral parts of the mechanism that powers all our undertakings. We are invested in taking the time to review all elements of the Festival to revise and recalibrate where necessary. We would certainly brand the Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival a success, however we are certain that the best is yet to come.”

As Tobago’s cultural calendar continues to grow, the infrastructure behind it must keep pace. Whether through its support for cultural institutions, expansion of high-speed networks, or on-the-ground presence at major events, bmobile’s commitment reflects a deep and ongoing investment in Tobago’s communities.