Mayor happy with Downtown Jouvert

BOTH Police Commissioner Everard Snaggs and Port-of-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown said the positive start to Carnival 2004 with a successful Jouvert in Port-of-Spain augured well for the rest of the celebrations. The men viewed the proceedings from the main Jouvert competition venue at South Quay in downtown Port-of-Spain where there was a heavy security presence as the celebrations got underway just before dawn yesterday morning.

Commissioner Snaggs said: “I have been talking to the Mayor, and he is extremely happy at the heavy police presence. We are monitoring the scene both from the ground and from the air. “We hope that the crowd would maintain some sense of maturity, not only among themselves, but that they would keep in mind that we have a lot of visitors who are here to enjoy our great show.”

Endorsing the Commissioner’s sentiments, Mayor Brown said: “I am glad the police are here, and they are doing yeoman service as usual Of course, there were no untoward incidents.” The Mayor had proclaimed the start of Carnival at 5 am, clearing the way for the traditional parade of ole’ mas characters before the downtown judges.

Franklyn Jones was crowned Jouvert King with his portrayal “Businessmen Pledge To Go Against Crime,” while Claire Boyce was crowned Queen with her portrayal of “Crime Stoppers.” Mud mas dominated the Jouvert bands which paraded through the South Quay venue. One of the bands that created a big impact was Chris Humphrey’s “Trinbago — the Melting Pot.”