Mas galore in Sando

Up to 3 pm, Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts’ "Band of the Year" song was leading the race for the Road March title.

Unlike years gone by, bands were out in full regalia from as early as 11.30 am yesterday, taking full advantage of the brilliant sunshine as they made their way along the parade route — Royal Road to Coffee Street, Cipero Street, then to the newly-created judging point at the Rienzi Kirton Highway, Cross Crossing.

As in previous years, female masqueraders outnumbered their male counterparts by a wide margin in the southern city celebrations.

Abzal Shaffie and Associates band "Native Spirit," of La Romaine, was first to cross the new judging point, and delivered a spirited performance for the judges. Scores of spectators had gathered from as early as 10 am at the new judging point at Rienzi Kirton Highway.

San Fernando’s mas powerhouse — Ivan Kalicharan’s presentation — "SS Trinbago 3000" designed by queenmaker Jacqui Koon How — featured both fancy sailors and pretty bikini mas. Spectators were enthralled with the variety of brilliant colours.

Traditional and fancy Indian mas, staged by Lionel Jagessar and Gregory Nurse and Associates, also wowed the spectators who lined the streets from every vantage point along the Rienzi Kirton Highway. Spectators seem appreciative of the new judging point, which afforded clear visibility of the mas while allowing greater mobility to the numerous music trucks.

Up to 3 pm yesterday, however, some five large bands had crossed the main judging point. Defending champion, Owen C Hinds, put on a presentation: "We like it so." The merry making was supervised by a heavy presence of police and army officers who were stationed at strategic points.

Results of the competition in San Fernando are expected by tomorrow.