Mas euphoria at the Savannah

With worry and stress temporarily put aside, euphoria reigned yesterday as hundreds of masqueraders crossed the stage of the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) for the Parade of the Bands, which is back under the auspices of the National Carnival Commission after five years. 

In typical form Harts Ltd was first on stage with its 2003 presentation “The Strip.”  Storming on stage to “It’s Carnival” revellers wore only a part of their costume and the visual effect was a mix of coloured spandex, beads, sequins. They took approximately 20 minutes to dance across the stage to the strains of Faye Ann Lyons’ “Display”, KMC’s “Rags” and Iwer’s “Ah Home.” Lyons seems set to follow in her father’s (Superblue) footsteps by taking her first road march title with “Display”, which was the most popular tune of choice with many bands. But she has strong competition from Destra (Garcia) and Machel (Montano) “It’s Carnival.”  David Rudder and Carl Jacobs “Trini to the Bone” was popular for bands portraying traditional mas.

Rosalind Gabriel’s Presentation for the Junior Carnival “Melting Pot” made a guest appearance  and was well received by the medium sized audience in the North and Grand stands. Masquerade and Funtasia combined this year to bring “Colours of the Wind” which crossed the stage with some semblance of ordered sections all in keeping with the theme. Among the sections were “Snow Storm”, “Typhoon,” “Desert Storm” and “South Sea Winds.” Destra with accompanying band Atlantik kept the throngs flowing across the stage with “It’s Carnival.”

Providing a break from the pretty mas was Ronald and Rodney Alfred’s Original Whip Masters tribute to Nigel Baker. The Jab Jabs, dressed in traditional brightly coloured striped costumes entertained the audience by showcasing their skills with the whip. They were soon followed by Trini Revellers “Gathering of the Tribes” which also had sections blending into each other. One masquerader used the opportunity to send a message of “No War” as she jumped to “Display.” King of the band Geraldo Vieira playing “Trouble in De Bamboo” was last to exit the stage at 1.25 pm. There was a 15 minute lull during which an individual in a costume whose theme was hard to distinguish took full advantage of the empty stage.

Traditional mas characters firemen and fancy sailors were next on stage in Mt Hope Connection in conjunction with Malick Folk Performers presentation of “A Sailors Dream.” In keeping with their characters the masqueraders did fireman and sailor dances to “Trini to the Bone.” Ten minutes later Skandal-Us followed. Other bands crossing the stage before 3 pm were Rampage’s “D Gathering”, Good Hope Associates “All That Splendor”, and President of the National Carnival Band’s Association Richard Afong’s “Come se Come Sa.”  Faye Ann Lyons was on the Island Vibes music truck singing her hit song. Off stage several bands waited to cross—Belmont Original Sailors, Burokeets International, Young Aming and Associates and Anthony Jackman’s “Sioux Festival.” Frederick Street was clear for several blocks. From Park Street Clare Moreau and Associates band “Desire and Pride” was heading towards the Savannah. Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee with an entourage of security was at the QPS “taking a walk around.”