De Blue Boys go for victory No 29

But for reigning ole mas champions De Blue Boys, this is a labour of love that propels them to return year after year to participate in the “Greatest show on Earth.” “We have not been paid for last year as yet.

It’s a struggle. We do it for the fun and to honour those who came before us. We cannot let what belongs to Trinidad die. We have become so Americanised that everything is just disposable and the people have been trained to be lazy,” said bandleader Val Ramsingh.

Ramsingh explained that the J’Ouvert band started in 1982, but the precursor to that was “way back in 1967”, when many members migrated. On their return to Trinidad, the group formed the band which has since been a household name in the southern city.

He reminisced that back in the 1980s, the band would have received $150 for King of the Band or $200 for Band of the Year titles as he emphasised that J’Ouvert bands are not money making businesses.

The presentation for J’Ouvert 2017 is, “Yuh Better Believe it”, and for J’Ouvert morning, masqueraders will be gathering at Smiley’s Bar in San Fernando.

The mas camp opens on Thursday at 38 Donaldson Street in San Fernando and registration fee is $200.

It includes a jersey and fish broth.

“The band came out from downstairs Madame Maharaj’s house.

George and Rooney Maharaj were instrumental along with the Ramsingh brothers (himself and Dave).

Everyone has ideas but the naturally witty Dave, a former teacher at Naparima College, does most of the work.” Ramsingh noted that De Blue Boys prides itself in its portrayal of the mas adding that it is “not jersey mas at all”. Year-round members are monitoring events in the country so as to incorporate in the ole mas.

“We have about 120 characters yearly to play and whoever is in the spotlight, will be getting their share.

Usually we have a minimum of 40 portrayals and all this without racial or political bias.

People come to the mas camp and choose what character they want to play and we give them hints on what props they would need,” Ramsingh told Newsday.

He thanked all sponsors with special mention of Southern Meats of Lady Hailes Avenue in San Fernando saying that yearly “and consistently for over 20 years” they have assisted.