No music at PoS Carnival launch

Traditional mas characters such as Dame Lorraines and Blue Devils pranced along Frederick Street with no accompanying music, while onlookers lined the street.

A woman, incensed as the poor showing shouted that Carnival is dying.

“Over the years, I have grown accustomed to taking the launch of downtown Carnival.

This year is the worst I have ever seen. You have a parade of Carnival characters and no music.

This is madness,” Patricia Picou said.

“This launch is more like a funeral.” She said this launch was a poor reflection of the planning for downtown Carnival and questioned if TT Carnival can still rightfully claim to be the Greatest Show on Earth. Masquerader Vernon Mohammed said he felt hurt to know that after weeks of preparation, the event turned out “so poor.” Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez said a music truck did not have one of the required permits.

“The truck was to come from Memorial Park to downtown but the people did not have the required permit. It would have been a breach of the Traffic Laws. Something went wrong...

but that is life,” Mayor Martinez said.

He said two awards will be presented to calypsonian Lord Nelson (Robert Nelson) and Edghill ‘MX Prime’ Thomas for their contribution to TT culture. Martinez said from what he saw at Woodford Square, “Carnival 2017 has begun.”