Mas rules in Downtown PoS

From as early as 7 am, scores of masqueraders and spectators were seen entering the city and heading towards South Quay. Car parks and street corners became impromptu changing rooms as masqueraders put the finishing touches on their costumes before hitting the road to join up with their respective bands. The security forces were out in full force in the South Quay area throughout the day, on the ground (foot, vehicle and horseback patrols) and in the air (surveillance by the Skyship 600 and a national security helicopter).

Port-of-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown and National Security Minister Martin Joseph watched with satisfaction from the stands as the bands flowed freely and regularly through South Quay en route to the other main Carnival judging points. Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and TT Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier Ancil Antoine, visited South Quay before noon to see that all security measures there were working effectively.

Tribe got the ball rolling at South Quay at 9.20 am with "What Lies Beneath," but it was the arrival of Brian MacFarlane’s "Threads of Joy" at 10 am which set the stage alight. Through its mix of earthy colours, seemingly simplistic designs and sections with names such as "Union of the Soul" and "Bearers of Peace," the band urged the population not to be ashamed of TT because of the plethora of problems it faces today and to work towards uplifting the nation.