Change the Carnival route!

THE EDITOR: The following is an open letter to Mr Kenny De Silva, Chairman, National Carnival Comminssion, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Dear Sir, enclosed is a letter which I wrote to you on March 5, 2002. Yes exactly three years have since passed, and not a single reply from you to date. The problem is still with us, and even on a bigger scale, as this year’s festival saw more new large bands on our city streets and on the big yard stage. As I stated in my last letter, I offered a suggestion to move the judging and parade of the bands from inside the Savannah to the outside — on the street.

I read and heard our present Culture Minister say immediately after our recent Carnival that this is a priority — “Mas has to be moved from the Savannah, that it has outgrown the venue.” What I have said, and am saying for the third time in 17 years — leave all pre-Carnival shows and events inside the Savannah. Put the parade of bands on Monday and Tuesday on the road around the Savannah. At Memorial Park, top of Frederick Street, bands begin to sectionise and move along to the first judging point, say maybe at Knowsley, then onto judging point number two probably at top of Cipriani Boulevard (Republic Bank building). From here we proceed to say the old Casuals Club site (which is now empty). This would be the third and final judging point.

After this last point, we now have many exit options — go down either Woodford or Picton Streets, Maraval Road or down St Clair Avenue. Leave the balance of the Savannah route for emergency vehicles, the President, or for anyone wishing to access surrounding areas or maybe to get to the General Hospital. Take the bull by the horns and make a stand/decision and stand by it. We will only know if it can work by giving it a try! How many years have the Downtown judging venue done away with the big stage? Has Mas On The Move not been running smoothly and effectively? Don’t just discard my letter and suggestion to the trash can, give it a thought and consideration to work. Erect bleachers on the grass of the Savannah facing south for the paying public to view and enjoy the Parade of the Bands in the Greatest Show On Earth.

ROGER REIS
A Trini to D’ Bone
Belmont