Kids bring colour to downtown

KIDDIES MAS transformed the streets of downtown Port-of-Spain in a blaze of colour yesterday, in what was the ideal condition for the children to enjoy themselves — an overcast sky with a cool breeze. It was the final parade of the children, who over the last week participated in numerous competitions. Over a dozen bands crossed the South Quay stage where Mayor Murchinson Brown, with loud speaker in hand, urged the children to “come forward.” The first band to cross the stage at 1.25 pm was the Success Laventille school with “Pie Pie Ka Choka” in the medium category. One of the bigger bands to cross the stage was Rosalind Gabriel’s “Nah Leaving,” which showed  creativity in a fusion of rainbow colours with the very bright red section “Sorrel and Mauby” and several young cute “Brian Laras.”

There was also the soca, video and pan pirates invading the area in the form of masqueraders from Boissiere Village “Pirates of Port-of-Spain.” They were resplendent in their blends of pink, blue, orange, green and white. A tiny “Baby Fruits” from the band San Juan Hill “Come go to San Juan Market” also caught the attention of bystanders as she stood staring or jumping as her mood changed. The capital was also awash with “Bush Medicine,” a presentation of the UWI School of Continuing Studies Early Childhood Laboratory Centre. As for music for the little ones, they jumped to the Road March favourites — Destra’s “Bonnie and Clyde” and Sherwayne Winchester’s “The Band Coming.” Machel Montano’s “Craziness” was also played. In terms of spectators, while the Lord Kitchener stand was virtually empty, the sidewalks were filled with parents and tourists looking on.  After crossing the stage, some of the bands proceeded to Tamarind Square, which was another judging point.