PLAY MAS

Well the day is here and by  the time you start reading your Newsday, Carnival 2003 would have begun and hordes of Jouvert revellers, galvanised by the mood of the season and by the sweet sounds of steelband music, would have already been on the streets, whether in Port-of-Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin, Princes Town or all over this land.

Much has happened since last Carnival, not the least concern of which has been an escalation of mindless crime which has made many uncertain of joining in this year's festivities. It is our hope that everthing goes well for the two-day street theatre of revelry, presentation of costumes, bands and music which ends at midnight tomorrow. This year there will be additional police officers, their presence, at strategic points, strengthened by Regiment soldiers, with the emphasis on heading off, or at least minimising ,the possibility of violence, and/or theft from the person. The beefing up of security arrangements is designed to provide a needed feeling of comfort to revellers and on onlookers, whether residents or visitors, including nationals returning for the Carnival.

Few things are sacred at Jouvert, and as is customary, some of the old mas bands and/or individual revellers will seek to satirise prominent figures, with special doses of picong reserved for politicians, whether of the Government or Opposition. Some politicians and other high profile persons may be particularly vulnerable to the satire of picong-wielding old mas players. Unfortunately, most of the old time Jouvert aficionados tend to appear in pre-Carnival competitions, or at shows such as Viey la Cou, rather than on the streets, where they take second place to the jostling revellers. Even San Fernando's Jouvert, famous since early in the last century for its Old Mas, is now virtually history. Old timers will remember this band led by the Crawford brothers, with nursing assistants, wardsmen and other personnel portraying doctors, nurses and patients; or other unrelated individuals playing 'Police and thief', 'Dr. Kill and Can't Cure', make believe judges and accused. Alas all is now virtually history.

But Jouvert will be largely abandon (read merriment), and the accent will be on enjoyment, whether by participants or spectators. And even if the change in emphasis for Jouvert has determined there will not be a pronounced return to the old time individual mas, at least the stationing of policemen and soldiers at several points in heavily trafficked areas will help in bringing back the old time feeling of safety that was one of the positive features of Carnival not long ago. Newsday would like on behalf of its management and staff to wish all its readers, including shut-ins and persons who may be planning on viewing the parades and competitions on television, a safe and enjoyable Carnival 2003. Play Mas!