CARNIVAL has been condemned as “the work of the Devil” by an Islamic scholar who is Imam of the ASJA mosque in San Fernando. Mushtaq Sulaimani yesterday called on muslims not to join in propagating what he described as the manifestation of the devil in the form of “the bachannal lewdness that depicts the character of carnival”.

Sulaimani was at the time speaking at the weekly congregational prayers on Friday at the ASJA mosque on Mucurapo Street, San Fernando, when he called on the muslim community not to participate in any form or “fashion” in the event. Sulaimani is the second religious cleric in the country to openly condemn carnival recently. Last week, Catholic priest Fr Ian Taylor lashed out against the display of lewdness by female revellers, saying that carnival was the handywork of Satan. Sulaimani told the congregation of worshippers that any true believer in God would guard against carnival. The celebration of nakedness which characterises carnival, he said, was an abominable sin displeasing to God. “That is why I call on you fellow muslims not to go there…not to be part of that carnival. The wrath of God is not something you would like to know when mankind openly disgraces the creation he is so blessedly endowed with by God,” Sulaimani said. Carnival, he added, was the way of the pagan and man has long evolved from such a period of ignorance. But the activities of carnival in which thousands of women and men display their private parts so openly, the Imam of the mosque said, was a re-enactment of paganism. “Do not go there…I beg you,” Sulaimani said, “lest you are called to account.”

The 17th annual Sunshine Snacks parade of the bands yesterday saw a proliferation of nationalistic themes with TT’s heritage on display before the crowds which gathered in the North and Grand stands.

Chairman of the National Carnival Commission Kenny De Silva expressed satisfaction with the parade, which had a quick flow of bands across the stage. Due to last week’s court ruling which gave the National Carnival Commission charge of the parade after a five-year hiatus during which the National Carnival Bands Association managed the event, bands were allowed to register on the spot. The NCBA had handed over all information relating to bands who had registered with it before the court judgement. As registration was still open, NCC officials were unable to say how many bands would be registered. Education Minister Hazel Manning declared the parade open at 9.55 am and also urged the young revellers to be careful even as they had fun. The parade was led by Sunshine Snacks new mascot “Snackie”.

The first band to cross the stage was “Catch Me If you Can” in the small band category, led by its queen portraying “Crazy Keyboard.” In close succession across the stage were St Bernadette’s Prep ‘Indianation” a portrayal of American Indians dressed in a variety of colours, and non-school presentation “I Wish I May, I Wish I Might” showcasing children’s wishes in costumes titled “I wanna be a ballerina”, “I wanna be a pop singer.” Several bands touted the local heritage such as Progressive Kindergarten’s “The Population/Real Unity” which highlighted the races in TT; Santa Cruz RC School “Caribbean Flavour”, Carapichaima RC portrayed “Cruising Through TT”, and Sharon’s Nursery with “Happy Birthday TT.” Popular bandleader Roslind Gabriel did not disappoint with her 2003 portrayal of “Melting Pot” which showcased aspects of TT’s history.

“Ah Home, Lemme Jump Up, Ah Home, Lemme Free Up,” were the magic lyrics which won Neil Iwer George first place in Friday night’s National Lottery International Soca Monarch Competition 2003.

Iwer, performing at number 15, belted out one of the most popular tunes for the Carnival season to a packed Queen’s Park Oval, while once again demonstrating that he has what it takes to be number one. Clad in a cream suit and t-shirt on which his face had been air-brushed, not to forget the trademark cap, Iwer whipped the crowd into a frenzy as he called for them to “jump up and free up.” George, who shared last year’s first place with this year’s second place winner Bunji Garlin, out performed Garlin to finally win the title by himself.

Following the announcement that he had copped first place, George said he felt “very special” as it was more than 15 years been in this business, but that he had now won the coveted title. Iwer was accompanied on stage by both tassa and steelpan. Appearing in position 17, Bunji Garlin sought to bring the crowd  “alive” and called on patrons to raise their right hand if they believed in God, a call which was obeyed by everyone present. True to form, Bunji urged the crowd to get into the Carnival spirit, while white balloons and pigeons were released. Also appearing on stage alongside Bunji was the trio,  Godfather Asylum. Following Bunji’s departure from the stage, the crowd began chanting and calling for more from the second place winner. An eager fan lit a flare during Bunji’s performance to signal his support, but was soon arrested and escorted out of the fete by the ever alert police officers. Barring this, Friday’s competition proceeded incident free.

Third place winner Destra Garcia, who shocked fans last year after removing her figure-hugging leather suit to reveal a bodysuit, displayed her assets from the start of her performance this year. She took to the stage sporting a gold Carnival costume, complete with a feathered head-piece and beads, while being accompanied by old mas performers.
The crowd received a pleasant surprise much to their enjoyment when Garcia was joined by Machel Montano, who had been masquerading as a midnight robber. A resounding roar emanated from the crowd as he threw off the hat, and began singing along with her. Many of this year’s performers were accompanied by dancers, as well as the relevant props to support their presentations. One of  the more ingenious props came from Derrick Seales, who was dressed as Count Dracula, complete with the white gloves and cape. Seales delivered his selection while his accompaniment performed their routine which entailed the use of three fake coffins.

The trio Godfather Asylum “constructed” a bar on stage to support their claim that they could be found “by de bar, smoking on their Cuban cigar,” and were joined by some of the Carib girls. While urging persons to continue “Jamming”, the artiste Blaxx decided to reach over the scaffolding to “touch” his fans. The youngest contestant taking part in this year’s Soca Monarch competition was Young Marcel, who was able to elicit a lukewarm response from the crowd, while Former National Junior School Soca Monarch title holder Patrice Roberts garnered some nods of approval from the audience with her song “Water For Cleansing”. Martiniquan Flo P G delivered her “Nasty” act, while demonstrating that she could also play the drums. Faye Ann Lyons, daughter of former Soca Monarch Super Blue, illustrated to the country that she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Clad in a pink outfit, she was joined by her father who made a cameo appearance. Most of the patrons were left disappointed with Rupee’s performance, while KMC was tipped as a crowd favourite.When KMC, clad in a white “Rag” outfit came on stage the crowd cheered and shouted their approval. He was able to get even the fans in the VIP section of the Oval to their feet.

The audience were energised when Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon asked them to demonstrate how to “put it on them.” Maximus Dan appeared attired in a “referee” outfit, while he encouraged fans to “Kick It Way.” He had former National players of the Strike Squad accompany him on stage during his performance. Many patrons leaving the show expressed their dissatisfaction with the results, as KMC had been tipped to win, and questioned whether Iwer deserved to win.

A battle between youth and experience will be fought for the title of National Calypso Monarch 2003 at tonight’s Dimanche Gras Show at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain.

Four young, hungry and eager hopefuls in the persons of Heather Mac Intosh, Roger George, Devon Seale and Skatie (Carlos James) will pit their undoubted talents against the likes of five crafty, battle-experienced veterans in Bomber (Clifton Ryan), Chalkdust (Dr Hollis Liverpool), Shadow (Winston Bailey), Mystic Prowler (Roy Lewis) and Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes-Millington) in a bid to wrest the title from the grasp of popular people’s calypsonian Sugar Aloes (Michael Osuna). The young brood are not without considerable experience at this level of competition. Except for George, each has qualified for the final before. In addition, they have all at some time won a title during their young calypso careers.

Mac Intosh has been a Junior Calypso Queen, Seale at one time was crowned Star of Tomorrow, Skatie has won several community Calypso Monarch titles and George was once a Junior Calypso Monarch. In addition, both Skatie and George are joint winners of this year’s Young King Calypso Monarch title. The contributions that won them places in the final have been hailed as quality work by those best qualified to make such statements. Skatie’s “One Man Alone” and George’s “These Are The Days” are said to be equal to Seale’s “Category My Donkey” and Mac Intosh’s prize-winning offering. So the quartet is not expected to be outclassed by the five veterans who are all previous National Calypso Monarchs. Chalkdust has taken that title on five occasions, while Bomber, Shadow, Prowler and Sandra each sat on the throne and ruled once.

Bomber, who won his title way back in 1964 singing “Five Little Popos” and  Tribute to Spoiler,” is much respected as a calypsonian and now referred to as the Godfather of Calypso. This accolade is given him not only for his longevity in the business, but also for the unstinting assistance he has always given to young, aspiring calypsonians during his long career. Now into his 70s and still going strong, the Godfather says he’ll be giving all competitors “Thunder at 75.” Shadow, “the bassman from hell,” waited a long time for his title and the recognition that came with it. Always a favourite with calypso fans for his unique style of penning lyrics and creating melodies, one can expect a typical Shadow performance tonight when he takes the stage to give Directions.”

Prowler, the gentleman calypsonian, is a throwback to the consumate, crowd-pleasing calypsonian in the days of the late Spoiler, Kitchener, Roaring Lion and Melody. A natty dresser with a strong stage presence and almost flawless diction, this 1998 monarch will explain later all about “Mr Indian.” Sandra is a charming blend of simplicity and confidence. Powerful in voice and stature, she uses her experience as an actress and dancer in the Best Village Competition to great advantage when presenting her work. She puts these gifts to the ultimate test tonight when she sings and dances to Ancient Rhythms.” The craftiest of the lot, Chalkdust must be considered the major threat to Aloes’ continued reign.

The five-time monarch is at his best when competing in a final, and is known to stun his opponents by coming to the contest with a new song. But having regard to the reception he has been receiving in the tents, he is not expected to go to the Savannah and drop surprises. Aloes, the defending monarch will have his work cut out later, but says he is confidently up to the challenge. The grapevine has it that he is the one with the surprise up his sleeve, so his opponents should tread cautiously. All season long he has been asking the question “Where Is Dorothy?”

THE Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco airport project has entered its second phase. That is the phase where persons who were implicated by the evidence of witnesses are summoned to appear to challenge the evidence by cross examination, direct evidence or by calling supporting witnesses.
The Commission has sat for 102 days and will resume sitting on March 10, after the Carnival break.

Monday
Cateau overburdened ‘watchdog’ with no UNC help

MINISTRY of Works and Transport (MOWT) representative on the Piarco Airport Project, Peter Cateau, was an overburdened “watchdog” who received no help from the former United National Congress (UNC) Government to ensure that the project was properly completed. Cateau was also doubly stressed by the belief that former Transport Minister Jearlean John was out to get him. So said former Transition Manager Jude Alibey on Monday during his cross examination by Cateau’s attorney, Keith Scotland. Questioned by Scotland, Alibey said given the “tremendous magnitude” of the project, a team of competent and qualified persons was required to successfully undertake all aspects of it. He identified some of those persons as a qualified accountant with some experience in governmental affairs, architect, quantity surveyor, engineer and even an attorney-at law.  However, Alibey said Cateau was not provided with any support personnel, even on a part time basis, and had to juggle a multitude of responsibilities. Some of those responsibilities included liaising with the Airports Authority, NIPDEC, Birk Hillman Consultants (BHC), the Organised Crime and Narcotic Unit (OCNU) and payment of contractors employed on the project. Asked if a special unit should have been responsible for paying site contractors, Alibey said this should have been done.  He added that this was “an impossible task for one man to do” and Cateau was “overburdened”.

During earlier testimony, Alibey said he had not received much help from Cateau in getting things done.  Questioned about this, in the context of Cat-eau’s workload, Alibey conceded that Cateau “assisted when he could”.  Alibey said when his team was created in March 2001, Cateau was still carrying the entire load of the project on his shoulders and seemed under pressure to ensure its completion by May 25, 2001.  He claimed Cateau seemed to be fearful that “someone in authority” was out to get him. Alibey hinted that this perception could have been fuelled by John’s way of getting things done. Alibey denied the former minister ever gave direct instructions to Cateau during meetings she held with project stakeholders. He added that John simply expressed her opinion to Cateau during those meetings.

Tuesday
Alibey: Cateau is an obstructionist

At Tuesday’s sitting, Alibey’s cross examination by Scotland ended. NIPDEC’s attorney, Jonathon Walker, indicated that he had no questions for Alibey. Alibey was the former Transition Manager on the project with responsibility for ensuring the airport terminal opened in May 2001. Alibey, during his brief re-examination by the Commission’s attorney, Justin Phelps, confirmed that he labelled Cateau an “obstructionist” in an e-mail to John. He said although it was private correspondence, he still held that view. Questioned by Com-missioner Victor Hart, Alibey said there were at least 24 meetings held by the Transition Team. He said although he felt Cateau was overworked, he also believed that Cateau should have attended most of the meetings, if only because his work impinged on the team’s. Alibey said he felt Cateau should have attended the meetings as a “priority”. He further said he believed that when Cateau was non co-operative, it was out of unwillingness rather than overwork. He said at times he concluded that Cateau’s actions were deliberate because he felt Cateau had the information he requested but just refused to give him.

Wednesday
Marathon session marks  100th  sitting

THE 100th sitting of the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco Airport project, was observed on Wednesday, with a marathon eight and a half hour session, all to accommodate attorney Russell Martineau, SC. Martineau was cross examining Canadian architect David Scott, principal of Scott Associates Inc (SAAI). He insisted he had to finish on Wednesday, since he would be unavailable until April. The sitting began at 9.30 am and ended at 6 pm with a half hour lunch break. Martineau, leading Deborah Peake, represents Ameer Edoo, former Chairman of the Airports Authority (AA) who chaired a task force for the project. Scott, under cross examination, admitted he did not know how it came about that government ministers, who were on the ministerial committee overseering the project, did not attend his presentation in October 17 1996. Told that Cabinet met the morning when he made his presentation, Scott said he had no knowledge of that and he couldn’t deny it but he had his suspicions.

Martineau, urging him to leave his suspicion out, suggested that he could not connect Edoo to the “hanky panky” with BHC, in that the ministers were present for their presentation. But Scott insisted that he would rely on his own opinion. Asked if he ever told the task force that his proposal for the new terminal building had received financing, Scott insisted he did at the presentation, although the minutes did not record it. Martineau labelled his statement a lie, but Scott hotly retorted that he took offence at the language. Asked if he was ever directed by Edoo to make a presentation of a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) arrangement, Scott said yes, although not in those words and there was no documentary proof. Asked when, Scott recalled it was prior to October 9, 1996 when he arranged to come to Trinidad to make the presentation. He said Edoo told him “present what you have done” and all along it was known that his proposal was based on a BOT method. Scott also maintained that under his team’s proposal he was ready to start construction immediately and denied following the 1995 election when the new UNC government came into power, that his proposal was not ready. Martineau also put into evidence three letters supporting BHC as competent airport designers based on work done in Puerto Rico, St Croix and Jamaica. Asked by Martineau if it was not fair to say that the decision of the task force to recommend BHC as the preferred consultant was pre-ordained, Scott said that would only be so if the minutes of the first task force were ignored. At that meeting it was unanimously agreed that BHC was preferred over SAAI.

Thursday
Brief sitting after Wednesday’s marathon

AFTER a marathon session of eight hours on Wednesday, the Commissioin of Inquiry into the Piarco Airport Project sat for just five minutes on Thursday. The sitting began at 9.50 am and ended at 9.55 am. The reason – Commission attorney Justin Phelps, after a perusal of the transcripts of evidence from Canadian architect, David Scott, decided he had no further questions for Scott. He had indicated on Wednesday evening that he would have re-examined Scott for at least 15 minutes. As a result of  Phelps’ position, the sitting was adjourned.

Friday
Ish no longer taking part in inquiry

THE APPEARANCE of Ish Galbaransingh at the Commission has proven to be anti-climatic as his attorneys told the Commission on Friday, he was no longer taking part because the proceedings were “fundamentally flawed”. Galbaransingh withdrew from the proceedings after his attorneys Reginald Armour and Devesh Maharaj, were not allowed to make a submission. Chairman Clinton Bernard categorically said “no” to the request several times, indicating that the Commission’s procedural rules did not allow it. Galbaransingh is the principal of Northern Construction Limited (NCL), which received a number of contracts on the project. Galbaransingh appeared before the Commission last week Thursday based on a summons issued to him. He was due to question witnesses who have implicated him in the project. He was due to reappear on Friday, but failed to show up. Instead, Armour told the Commission Galb-aransingh was not present because he was advised to await their call. Armour then sought to make a submission, but was denied by Bernard. Bernard told Armour the Inquiry’s procedural rules did not provide for such submissions to be made and advised him that he should question David Scott. Armour was asked by Bernard what the submission was about. He said it was based on his view that the “proceedings were fundamentally flawed”. But Bernard did not entertain Armour. He stated emphatically that on the last occasion Armour appeared, in September 2001, he attempted to adopt the same course and was told at that time that he could not make a statement. Armour said he couldn’t understand how he could be denied yesterday, when his submission wasn’t heard. Bernard interrupted to ask: “Are you prepared to ask questions of Mr Scott?” Armour replied: “Not until I give my submission and have a ruling.” Bernard ruled: “No!” Armour said in the circumstances Galb-aransingh would not participate in the proceedings.

A 73-YEAR-OLD man, who decided to treat himself to a special meal on the occasion of his birthday on Friday, was burnt to death when the stove reportedly caught fire.

Dead is Osmond Phillip, of Guapo Road, Fyzabad. The tragedy occurred around 9.45 pm when Phillip attempted to warm a meal of gound provision and salted fish on a stove at his home where he lived alone.
Neighbours heard a loud explosion then saw Phillip’s small wooden house engulfed in flames. According to police reports, Phillip was visited by his sister Esterly Phillip, who gave him the food on Friday evening. Phillip placed a bowl containing the food on the stove. Investigators suspect he apparently turned the knob on the gas and forgot he had done so. Sometime later, police suspect, he may have remembered and tried to light the stove which resulted in an explosion. Phillip’s closest neighbour, Rajendaye Boodoo, heard the noise and alerted others. The report stated that neighbours tried to put out the blaze but the fire quickly engulfed thehouse. Phillip’s body was discovered in the bathroom.

A Pre-Carnival exercise in the Northern Division yielded the arrests of 55 people and the seizure of four firearms, a total of 25 rounds of .38 ammunition and five kilogrammes of compressed marijuana, police said.

The exercise, part of Commissioner of Police Hilton Guy’s anti-crime plan, was co-ordinated by Assistant Com-missioner of Police (East) Nazamul Hosein and Snr Supt Lloyd Coutain, and was spearheaded by ASP (Crime) Errol Dillon, Acting Insps Peter Grant, Michael Modeste, PC Pamphille and others from the Task Force and CID. The exercise, described as massive by the police, began at 9.45 pm Friday and ended at 6 pm yesterday and was concentrated in the Arima and St Joseph areas. Of the 55 people held, police said five were charged for the firearms haul, which consisted of three revolvers and one pistol. Three of the five, two from Diego Martin, the other from Laventille, were reportedly intercepted in a vehicle in the Arima area. A search of the vehicle later revealed two firearms. Two other people were arrested in the Bamboo Settlement #1 area with two more firearms.  They are due to put in court appearances tomorrow. Apart from those five, 12 people were arrested for a total of five kilogrammes of marijuana, 25 people were held on outstanding warrants, four persons each were held for larceny and on enquiries relating to housebreaking and larceny. Three more were arrested on enquiries in connection with robberies, while one person each was held for rape and common assault. Drivers who sought to breach the Priority Bus Route (PBR) were also affected by the police exercise as ten tickets were issued for the offence.  More exercises will continue in various divisions, police said.

The Red House is the seat of our parliamentary democracy. It is Port-of-Spain’s most illustrious landmark, one of our rare architectural jewels, and one of our few remaining links with our past.

So much of our history is bound up in it, and even in this era of transience the edifice still evokes dignity and commands respect as a physical symbol of the State and our nationhood. The Red House is as integral to us as the Westminster Houses of Parliament are to the British or the Washington DC Capitol Building is to the United States. However the Government has recently proposed shifting the Red House’s parliamentary functions to a new building proposed to be built nearby. Despite $10 million spent to refurbish the Red House, the Government has said the Red House is inadequate to house all the functions of Parliament.

Minister of Public Administration Dr Lenny Saith on Wednesday announced his intention to shift the chamber of Parliament from the Red House to a new building to be built on the site of the refurbished PoS Magistrates’ Court and the Ministry of National Security, the block just across the road (Knox Street) from, and north of, the Red House. This proposal has raised the ire of the Judiciary and Magistracy who recall that millions of dollars were spent to refurbish the PoS Magistrates’ Court. Citizens too are questioning the move, citing our traditional attachment to the Red House which has housed our elected legislature over centuries.

The Red House was rebuilt after being burnt to the ground in the Water Riots of 1903, which was a public protest against the proposed introduction of water meters, an incident which a Commission of Enquiry eventually blamed on the Colonial Government and the Crown Colony system of governance. In September 1998 the UNC Government allocated $10 million to do urgent short-term repair work on the Red House structure, particularly its roof which leaked when rain fell. The architectural work was done by Bynoe, Rowe, Wiltshire Partnership; the structural work by CEP Limited, and the services work by ENCO Limited, with the project manager being Nipdec and the Ministry of Works.

At present a covering has been erected to protect the roof and facilitate this  repair which is still in progress . In a debate in the Senate in March 2001 Independent Senator Martin Daly had complained: “It is becoming increasingly difficult for any of us to serve the country properly as parliamentarians because there are no research assistant facilities available to Parliament”. In response then Attorney General Ramesh Maharaj assured that the Red House was being refurbished to provide improved and expanded facilities, additional staff was being recruited and other measures were being introduced to cater for the expanded role of parliamentarians. Maharaj said the improved facilities at the Red House would include committee rooms and offices for every Member of Parliament. But since then, the new PNM regime has spoken of moving sittings of Parliament to the Chaguaramas Convention Centre, and now has proposed this new parliamentary complex which Lenny Saith has predicted would be completed in four years time.

Leroy Prieto portraying Temuchin the Mighty Ruler and Warrior, will tonight fly the flag for mas purists — those who believe a Carnival king is an outfit and not a float and who refuse to use wheels to support it or pyrotechnics to enhance it.

Prieto is the only finalist who will actually be carrying his costume, a challenge usually taken on by designer Brian McFarlane.  Having already made a splash at Miami Carnival, Prieto operates out of Fireworks Promotions’ Warriors of Yore in South at whose mas he placed third. Prieto faces many rival goliaths whose impact are greatly (and perhaps unfairly) enhanced by their large size, but which in turn restricts their ability to “dance” their outfits. Temuchin is a dragon kite. The masquerader attired in a dragon body has an extended tail painted onto a fabric spread. It recalls Minshall’s “Manta Ray”, a simple form but danced to great effect. At the king semi-finals, Prieto stalked on-stage to creeping music, initially through half-closed eyes looking like a bat with horizontal wings. He made some impact in raising it up vertically, although the choreography of his transformation could have been sharper, a more sudden rise creating a greater impact.

Roland St George’s “Schizo — The Agony of Xtacy” is a nice idea whose design showed the duality of the theme. It looked promising off-stage in the dark, with wholesome bright white and blue at front, and devilish red behind. But somehow, under the harsh white stage lighting as with many other kings, the colours were not displayed to best effect. The piece may not have had a strong enough overall form to hold together all the different elements comprising the costume — the central iconic man, a vertical halo, two “wings”, and swirls. Further, the sculptured form did not at all facilitate movement. Yes, the bobbing of the individual dragon heads at the rear was nice, but it was a very limited motion.  Instead of the masquerader being able to dance the costume, like many other kings he merely seemed an irrelevant appendage to the outfit. It’s large size increased its visual impact.

David Lakhan offered “Blue Moon Visitor”.  Three dragon heads bobbing on the ends of elongated necks gave very powerful imagery of form and allowed a certain amount of movement in the mas, bringing it alive. Large blue cloth crescents reminiscent of moons, formed the dragon wings, curving backwards to balance the forward protruding dragon heads. It was a worthy mas although its elements were hardly original. In Ansel Price’s “Zulu Warrior Dream”  a white horse leaps through a wide spread of flames, orange and black. The masquerader pauses to work the outfit. By slightly bobbing the horse up and down, he made the creature appear to ride on the flames. Again, its largeness created extra large impact. “Trouble in the Bamboo” worn by Geraldo Vierra Junior comprised a large scary central iconic figure like an evil genie in eerie grey, backed by stalks of bamboo, both gold/brown and green/silver. In addition to bouncing up amid the swaying vertical bamboos, the figure made even more impact by moving arms and by bending his whole body down. This is yet another large king. 

Juan Maximo’s king, “Hannibal — Ruler of Carthage”, portrayed the might and the majesty of the nemesis of ancient Rome. An elephant head was backed by a disc of large feathers/plumes done in an Africanist theme, topped by three regal fans. Curtis Eustace’s “D Sky is D Limit” was so big that it nearly damaged the overhead powerlines in coming on-stage at the semi-finals. It is an explosion of dazzling colour radiating outwards. It comprised vertically-erect double wings of purple, green and turquoise, all held together by a white/silver hem. Eustace played to the crowd with vigorous arm and leg movements, really moving like a winner. Eustace  in all-while body suit was backed by large silver spikes and spines, radiating out from behind him, this middle-ground linking masquerader to his huge costume. But like many others, he was somewhat separated from the larger costume, in that its rigidity and size did not truly lend to its being danced by him. South King Aaron Kallicharan’s “Native Warrior” was a well-received presentation and confident piece which really knew what it was all about. The elongated totemic head allowed the masquerader to more so become an active part of the costume. The fierce facial expression was a central focus from which radiated fiery streaks of yellow, orange and black, a blazing overall. The outfit conveyed the emotion of anger, recalling the angst shown by the classic expressionism of Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream” of 1893.

ANDRE Michael Tanker was born on September 25, 1941.

At an early age he was introduced to music by his mother, who was a dancer. He had been on the Trinidad and Tobago music and cultural scene since the 1960s, producing music for films, theatre, concerts and recordings. He even arranged music for the steelband. His music was referred to as “world music” since he had an uncanny ability to blend Caribbean/ Afro/East Indian sounds, to complement his distinctive voice. An accomplished musician, Andre played the guitar, flute, vibraphone and blues harp. As a recording artiste, his unique brand of Caribbean world music has left us with classics such as Forward Home, Sayamanda, Hosanna and Basement Party. Andre also wrote several original music scores for films and plays, which included Ti-Jean and his Brothers, a 1970 play by Derek Walcott which toured the West Indies, USA and the UK; Earl Lovelace’s The Dragon Can’t Dance in 1986; Turn of the Tide, a 1986 Caribbean soap opera written and directed by Horace Wilson. There was also the Monster March, a 1987 play by Errol Sitahal and Dennis Hall; Ti-Jean and Mariquite, a 1988 play written by Pearl Eintou Springer; The Nativity — Birth in a Panyard, produced by the Trinidad Theatre Studio in 1989; Trinidad and Tobago in the 80s, a documentary film directed by Sydney Hill and produced by the Trinidad and Tobago Film Unit; and Bim, a 1973 feature film written by Raoul Pantin and produced by Sharc Studios. Andre also composed and directed the musical score for Director Frances Ann Solomon’s made for television movie What my Mother Told Me, which was aired on London’s Channel 4 television.

In 1990 and 1995 he was awarded the Cacique Award for best composer and musical director of the year. In 1992 he was the recipient of the New York Sunshine Award for outstanding contributions to Caribbean music. In 1993 Andre composed and directed the musical scores for the New York Lincoln Centre Theatre Department’s production of Playboy of the West Indies and New York Shakespeare Festival production of Measure for Measure, which was presented in a Caribbean setting. A few years ago, Andre gathered a band of crackshot musicians and formed “One World Contraband”, an aggregation that made tours of  the Caribbean, New York, London, Italy and other countries of the world. The group appeared at the prestigious Panjazz Festival held here in Trinidad in 1991, along with internationally acclaimed artistes Tania Maria, Andy Narell, Frank Morgan and Dave Valentine. In 1995 the band performed at the St Lucia Jazz Festival’s opening night ceremony and at the Great House Hotel. Andre’s first CD recording, Children of the Big Band, turned out to be an exciting and unique musical journey in which he featured some of his better known compositions alongside new pieces. Trinidad and Tobago’s 1986 triple-calypso crown winner David Rudder, top American pannist Andy Narell and international drummer Richard Bailey joined him to make the album into a classic Caribbean experience.