Big Mike cries for spirit of Carnival

One of the first to react following Yuille-Williams’ revelations during a special sitting of Parliament on Monday was Mas maker Mike “Big Mike” Antoine of the band Legacy who said that the move to bring Mas to the street was a disrespect to the spirit of Carnival.

Antoine said he was not opposed to change, but added that since the Grand Stand was still standing, it should be used for Mas especially since Yuille-Williams sprang her changes a mere two months before the Merry Monarch’s reign starts.

“It’s not like the Grand Stand has disappeared. I just can’t stand it when people make decisions without taking others into consideration. I speak out on behalf of the people whose voices were not heard, people who seem not to have any representation, the masqueraders, the people who put out the money to make Carnival happen,” Antoine said.

“I just don’t understand why they are saying Mas is back on the streets. Mas has always been on the streets. I will let you know, it does not matter where they ask us to play Mas, I will go but I always seek my masqueraders’ interest first.”

Donald Little, chairman of the National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF) sang a different tune saying, “We can work with the plans revealed by the Minister, our organisation suggested some of it in the past.

“My concern right now is the accommodation for judges and special guests, we have to be careful where we put them. Something must be done about access to the Piccadilly judging point, the entrance from Independence Square is too narrow and it needs to be widened so the music trailers could move on without hindrance,” he added.

Bandleader Renrick Brown said he had no problem with the new routes. “We have been clamouring for a change for the longest while. Many masqueraders were turned off because of the six-hour line-up to get into the Savannah.”

Tourism Minister Howard Chin Lee, asked to comment on whether he thought the Carnival changes could affect the amount of foreigners coming down to play Mas, said, “To date we have not seen any indication that there is a reduction in bookings.

“As you know, Mas in the street caters for spectators and masqueraders. I feel the new arrangement can work in the best interest of the two groups.”