No fanfare for President Max

Carnival Messiah, by far the largest theatrical production to be staged in Trinidad premiered at Queen’s Hall last Monday evening. Platinum sponsor Republic Bank was the host of the “black tie” event which included a cocktail reception prior to the production. 

Hundreds of guests including ministers of government, dignitaries and members of the artistic and business community were treated to portrayals of traditional Carnival and Ole mas characters as they anxiously awaited the arrival of both Prime Minister Patrick Manning and President George Maxwell Richards. Upon the Prime Minister’s arrival, the greeting party including Carnival characters, Blue Devil and the Midnight Robber, flocked to his car. By that time, most of the guests were already seated in the auditorium.

The scene was totally opposite when the President arrived. He was greeted by a member of the board of Queen’s Hall and the two faithful Carnival characters,  then ushered in to be greeted by Republic Bank’s Managing Director Ronald Harford and the rest of the welcome party at the entrance of Queen’s Hall. In what appeared to be a mad rush for time, the President was quickly escorted up the steps leading to the auditorium while the first lady was left lagging behind. The reception then came to an end as the more formal part of the evening took place inside the auditorium.