Masqueraders had a ball —much colour, revelry and women

Rainfall and a late start by the National Carnival Bands Association 2004 Parade of the Bands at the Queen’s Park Savannah could not douse the Trini penchant for having a good time at Carnival.

 Eleven small, eight medium and large bands are competing to win the title of Band of the Year in their respective categories. The race is on for Road March with Shurwayne Winchester’s “Look de band Coming” and Destra Garcia’s “Bonnie and Clyde” neck and neck, and vying for supremacy. Machel Montano’s “Crazyness” is also a contender, although the popular song is lagging behind. Maybe it was changing the time for Jouvert to 5 am that caused the delay, but whatever the reason, the Parade of Bands started at 12.30 pm with the playing of the National Anthem. Prior to this the only distraction passing the stage were a few stragglers hurrying to meet their band and cleaners sweeping.

The first band crossing the stage was as usual Harts Ltd with “Wild Thing” whose revellers eagerly waited to take over the stage. When the moment finally came and the Security stepped aside, hundreds took over the stage for a little under half an hour to the strains of “Up in the Air,” then “Bonnie and Clyde. A light drizzle started but this did not have any impact on those enjoying themselves in the Big Yard. Gold and silver beads, sequins, a multiplicity of coloured fabrics were all mixed together.

In keeping with tradition of Monday mas masqueraders wore only part of their costume and were not in sections. They were followed by “River Dance” which was led by several individuals. Unlike their predecessor, there was some semblance of order because the band had banners to lead off each of the sections portrayed. They had names such as “Ganges,” “Nile,” “Dunns River Falls,” and “El Dorado.” Another popular band crossed the stage 25 minutes later with Trini Revellers presentation of “Arabian Nights” which was led on stage by Inez Gould “The Enchanted Tree.” The first mini band crossing was “The Original Jab Jab” led by Ronald Alfred. Wearing the traditional brightly coloured black striped costumes they entertained the crowd with their antics with the whip. Skandal-Us was next with more pretty mas. Providing contrast was the next presentation Calvin Peters’ presentation of “Mad Cow Disease.” The band comprised a small group dressed in brown complete with fake horns. More traditional mas followed with Mt Hope Connection’s “Out of Africa.”

A large section of masqueraders, most of them not in any costume, came up behind the sailors.  All had cocoyea brooms which they waved in time to the chorus of Shadow’s “Whap Cocoyea.”  More sailor mas was on stage with Belmont Original Stylish Sailors “Golden Memories” which had several individuals. Also crossing the stage were: Rosalind Gabriel’s “Tings Trini,” “Robbers and Bankers of TT,” and B&B Associates “Fantasy and Flight.” Barbarossa’s “Mythropolis” crossed the stage at 3.25 pm and took approximately 20 minutes to cross. Legends followed with its 2004 presentation “Freedom.” Poison did not cross the stage and was seen going down Richmond Street towards South Quay after 4 pm. While the band stretched down Richmond Street the tail end was still on Park Street.