Chutney tent to open Carnival in Couva

THE CHUTNEY Calypso Touring Tent will formally open Carnival celebrations in Couva this year, according to chairman of the Couva Carnival Committee, Ramchand Rajbal. The free show will be held on February 17 at 7 pm and will feature top chutney artistes including Adesh Samaroo, Rakesh Yankaran, Boodram Holasse, Videsh Sookoo, Heeralal Rampartap, Devanand Gatoo, Mohip Poonwassie, Marva Mc Kenzie, and Connector of Toronto.

The Couva committee is currently finalising plans for the celebrations which are being organised on a budget of $240,000. Financial support for the celebrations is coming from business firms and organisations and a grant from the National Carnival Commission. The programme continues on February 18, when the Central Trinidad senior and junior Calypso Monarch titles will be up for grabs. The seniors competing are Mukesh Babooram, Patrice Valentine, Roger Johnson, Brian London, Darnley Kennedy, Francisca Allard, Vino Harrilal, Marsha Cagan, Candace Paul, Aldric Tudor, and Ernest French. Defending champion is Sharon Harvey. Juniors in contention are Othilda Jones, Gladys Toney, Jordelle Connell, and Makeda Bobcombe, with Marion Paponette defending her title.

The programme for the rest of that week is as follows:
February 19 — Calypso show featuring the TUCO-South Central Calypso Tent
February 20 — The Miss Central Trinidad Carnival Queen Show
February 21 — Traditional Mas and Extempore Calypso Competition;
February 22 — Kiddies Carnival
February 23 — J’ouvert and Monday Night Mas.
February 24 — Parade of Bands