Point Fortin in sea of mud, paint

The streets of Point Fortin were transformed into a sea of mud and paint yesterday as thousands of persons participated in the borough’s jouvert celebrations.

This event is one of the highlights of a week-long activities to mark the community’s 23rd anniversary as a borough. As early as 4 am yesterday, the DJ trucks rolled into action with jouvert lovers, many of whom were scantily clad and caked in mud and paint, and who gyrated and chipped through the streets. Locals were not the only ones enjoying the internationally known cultural event; nationals from Barbados, Holland and United States were also seen “wining low”. This year there were no card board signs mocking top government officials or pointing out issues of main concern in the country. The masqueraders focussed mainly on smearing themselves with mud and paint.

Former United National Congress (UNC) Minister and MP for Point Fortin, Vincent Lasse, as well as Mayor Francis Bertrand also took to the streets dancing behing their respective bands. There were about 13 bands parading the streets, including: We Going Retro; Trinmar Self Help Marines — Sailor’s Ashore; Benjamins; Toute Bagai; D Image People D Tribute Hats Oaf 2U; E Street Red Rats and Blu. Also providing wonderful music and entertainment were Fonclaire Steet Orchestra, Merry Tones and Point Fortin Iron Giants.

With just a few minor incidents, the morning celebrations went smoothly and was successful, according to Point Fortin Mayor Francis Bertrand. The mayor, who was dripping wet with perspiration when Sunday Newsday eventually caught up with him, described the celeberation as being execellent. He said this year they focussed on colourful mas using paint opposed to the mud mas. He estimated the crowd was about 20,000. Apart from a slight drizzle around 8.45 am, the sun shone brightly throughout the morning period. A large contingent of heavily armed policemen and soldiers, many of whom were hassled by women in the crowd, ensured that party-goers were safe and the celebration was free from crime. Up until 9.30 am yesterday jouvert was still in full swing.