Mayor Natta ‘happy’ as Borough Day off to great start

From a Borough worried by industrial action only recently, Point Fortin was yesterday transformed into an euphoric, festive scene as thousands participated in Borough Day celebrations. From as early as five o’clock in the morning the mas bands, steelbands, rhythm sections and music truck disc jockeys all created a Carnival-like atmosphere and stirred the thousands into a frenzy. Several steelbands went through the streets including Players Only Pan Movement, Harlem Syncopaters  and even Arima All Stars.

The revellers paid tribute to a son of the soil Superblue and also to the heroics of Brian  Lara’s recent achievement of reaching the highest individual test score of 400 not out. Mud band revellers were out in their numbers, some proving menaces to those who were intent on keeping  clean. Among the bands parading the streets were Head Gone, Radikal Promotions, Borough Santas, Tribute to Superblue and Trini to De Bone. Even as the sun blazed overhead, revellers and participants alike danced and chipped behind the big trucks. The traditional Devils had their part, oily skin and holding forks threateningly in hand. Some, without costumes or masks, painted their faces and clothes.

Others carrying bunches of cocoyea in their hands while parading the streets, struck at each other while chanting to Shadow’s “Wadap Cocoyea.” There were even revellers in wheel chairs who made their way onto the streets for the celebrations. There was a heavy joint police/army presence and few fights broke out as party exuberance got the better of some. Arrests were made by the police, including one where several officers swarmed upon a woman before subduing her. In this instance some of the crowd accused the police of being “heavy handed” and “too harsh on de woman.” Generally though the joint police/army patrol were commended for their role. Throughout the celebrations they broke up fights and quelled disturbances which, barring their quick responses,  may have been more serious.
 
There were no signs of any water shortage during the celebrations or any reports of  such as the Point Fortin Chamber had expressed on Friday. Commenting on the celebrations Commissioner Snaggs said, “There are no reports of any major incidents.” He said the police were receiving reports but none of them serious. A pleased Police Commissioner added, “The Borough Day celebrations are very exciting and the crowd is marvellous.” Point Fortin Mayor St Clair Natta said, “I am quite happy with the way things have gone, there has been maximum participation from everyone.” The Borough Day celebrations end today with a Cool Down Fete.