Bandleaders cry fowl

BIRD FLU, which is raging through several Asian countries from which Carnival bandleaders import feathers, is seriously affecting preparations for next month’s Trinidad Carnival. Bandleaders are complaining that the feathers imported for their 2004 portrayals are being quarantined at Piarco with certain conditions attached. Although the bandleaders claimed they have the necessary licences for importing the feathers, when the feathers arrive in Trinidad from the United States, they are being quarantined. Bandleaders are also being asked to produce a certificate from their suppliers stating that the feathers have been dyed and treated, and come from a factory and not a farm.

Another requirement is that the material must have the approval of the US Bureau of Standards. In addition, they have to get a veterinarian from the Ministry of Agriculture to inspect and “pass” the feathers. This process takes between three to five days. Some bandleaders complained that they have been awaiting clearance of their feathers since last week. Bandleader Stephen Derek said: “All round this country small and medium bands are getting pressure. We don’t get help from the authorities and right now I am getting so frustrated. I’m sorry now that I was persuaded to produce mas again this year.” Derek said he ordered 13 to 15 pheasant feathers and has been waiting three weeks for the items to be cleared. “You think Uncle Sam will allow the feathers through his airport if they weren’t thoroughly inspected?” he asked. Derek added: “Mas has changed direction. There is no assistance for us small and medium bands but ready-made costumes from China and Japan are allowed to come in freely for the bigger bands. I will have to make a decision after Carnival as to whether I am going to produce mas again.”

Jameel Beharry, an importer of feathers who works on contract with several bands, claimed the Govern-ment was not doing anything about the situation. “The procedure is too lengthy!” he complained. Earl Patterson from the band Masquerade is in a similar position, as is  Legends bandleader Mike Antoine. Antoine said he has resorted to using feathers left over from last year’s band and is forced to purchase higher priced local feathers to make up the shortfall. The quarantine is a period of isolation of animals arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of disease. Birds’ feathers form a large part of Carnival in that they are used by some of the biggest bands that take part in the two-day festival.