Kiddies parade in downtown heat

A LARGE CROWD gathered at South Quay, Port-of-Spain yesterday for the annual Downtown Junior Parade of the Bands. And they were not disappointed, despite the heat. The judging kicked off at 1.30 pm with the first band on stage.

The youngsters who were accompanied by their parents, flowed quickly before the panel of 11 judges, and Port-of-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown. Before the fast gathering crowd on South Quay, De Charmers began their portrayal of “In My Old Toy Box.” With approximately four sections, the band’s Toy Princess was played by Deneisha Porter, while an old wooden box was drawn along filled with stuffed toys. The second band to cross in the Modern History Category was “The Population Real Unity.” The band contained four sections including African Bele Dancers, Spanish Paranderos, Karate Kids, and Indian Belly Dancers. The crowd was very appreciative of Simon Cunningham, the lone individual in the Fancy Sailor category. Eight-year old Cunningham demonstrated how the old timers of yesteryear behaved, and had the crowd’s undivided attention throughout his 15-minute presentation. Success Laventille and Associates was the third band to be judged, and was led by Teneisha Weekes, who portrayed “Look, A Soucouyant Coming.” Also in this section was Ariel Bynoe and Mikela Weekes, who portrayed a “Leprechaun With Pot of Gold” and “Magic Carpet Ride” respectively.

Almost all the children were smiling happily, while others had to be carried by their mothers and fathers. Some sought shelter away from the blistering heat, while patiently awaiting their turn to show the judges what they were about. Four-year old Celine Da Silva caught the attention of many spectators, as she was all smiles, and appeared to be quite comfortable in her costume despite the obvious heat. Both the Junior King and Queen of Carnival, Christopher Maclean and Galia O’Brien from the band “A Hot Trini Pelau” drew the appreciation of persons both in the stands and the street, as they danced their way before the judges. Displaying control and poise in their costumes, “Too Much Back and Neck In the Pelau” and “Golden Ray, A Tribute to Sylvia Hunte,” yet enjoying the music and excitement of the crowd, Maclean and O’Brien led the ten-section band along South Quay to the next judging point.

Some of the sections included Pig Tail, Yard Fowl, Fresh Pigeon Peas, Coconut Milk, Hot Hot Pepper and Golden Ray, all key ingredients when cooking a pot of tasty Pelau, according to one of the band organisers. One year old Nikiya in the band “We Love Culture” stole the hearts of young and old alike, and brought smiles to the faces of all the judges, as she stood in front of the judging post, and danced to the music, albeit not in time. She was clad in a little white top, and a ruffled skirt, complete with pacifier, and had to be urged along, as she appeared to be quite comfortable performing for the judges all afternoon. Rosalind Gabriel’s “Melting Pot” was one of the largest bands and boasted at least 11 sections. According to one of the band members, mas players ranged from four years old to teenagers. Most of these youngsters seemed eager to get the show on the road, but some others were content to sit in the shade and conserve their energy. Most of the visitors were seen with cam-corders, while others marvelled at the spectacle of Trinidad Carnival.