The world’s recession is quite evident in Haiti and has an impact on carnival this year. According to Haitian Minister of Culture Julien Olsen, the funds available for the country’s most popular event are not sufficient. This year’s carnival budget went from 116 million Gourdes to 40 millions due to four hurricanes that hit the island. There could also be a shortage of floats and decors, and few bands will be sponsored by the government to make up for tight budget and lack of sponsorship. Local musicians called in several radio stations to respond to the government for the lack of funds available. They argue the country has always been in recession and that the decision to cut down on the funds are pure politics that came too little too late.