kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt

With many stakeholders cutting back on funds this Carnival, there were 11 fewer modern bands participating in this year’s J’Ouvert celebrations in San Fernando.

Despite the low number, there were thousands of masqueraders flooding the streets with the popular crews. Absent were many of the small bands which usually have a capacity of 20 to 50 members.

There were 32 bands in 2017 as opposed to 21 this year, but bands like Dev’s Barbershop and Limerz Krew could not fit in front of the judges’ tent all at once.

The judging point itself was significantly smaller this year as it was moved to the San Fernando West Constituency Office along Independence Avenue. In years gone by, the Rienzi Kirton Highway at the front of the Southern Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA) was the stage for masqueraders. San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello said that set up at (SAPA) was too expensive for their reduced 2018 budget.

Despite the changes, he said Carnival in San Fernando was “very alive.”

“There are several bands around, it’s full of activities and I’m happy and excited by what I see this morning. We seem to have a lot of people in San Fernando. A lot of people from the rural areas are coming into San Fernando to participate, to enjoy and to spectate. We have to do some more planning to accommodate this crowd but we’re doing well,” Regrello said.

There were some interesting themes chosen by some of the bands, including Generation of Gold’s Emoji Land which was all about the happy symbols used on social media.

Friends of Atherly, featuring former San Fernando mayor Ian Atherly promoted togetherness with their presentation of Pirates of Love.

While the fun was evident, there were some mishaps such as fights along the crowded Cipero Streets, where many of the bands got stuck. Four masqueraders of South Colours were spared severe injuries when they were caught by a security rope and dragged on the road while the music truck it was attached to drove off.

Shal Marshall’s Splinters, Machel Montano’s Soca Kingdom and Showtime and Patrice Roberts’ Sweet Fuh Days dominated the J’Ouvert celebration in San Fernando.

Youth triumphed over experience at the Calypso Monarch competition on Sunday night as 24-year-old relative newcomer Helon Francis beat out a host of veteran calypsonians to claim his first crown.

Francis beat six former monarchs and Soca Monarch champ Aaron “Voice” St Louis by nine points as he earned the $700,000 first prize in front of a modest audience of the Dimanche Gras show at the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Francis is no stranger to the “Big Yard” as he placed second to his cousin Devon Seale in 2016 when he coped the Young King title with The Real Bandits.

Francis, who performed his nation-building composition, Change, in position 14, was left speechless as the results were announced shortly after 1 am.

“It is wonderful,” an emotional Francis said as he was embraced by his mother, relatives and his production team.

He said he was happy to join a group of calypsonians who moved on from their success in the Young Kings competition with a Calypso Monarch title.

“I am a person who appreciates the history and I am just happy to be part of those history books,” Francis said moments after becoming one of the youngest calypsonians to ever cop the prize.

He said the inspiration for the song came from his mission to encourage citizens to improve T&T through their own behaviour.

“If we want a better nation it starts with us. We are the first thing that has change. We always aim at the leaders and put them down when we don’t get what we want but it starts from here,” he said.

Fresh off his win at Friday’s Soca Monarch competition, his third consecutive title, St Louis was a clear favourite as sections of the audience chanted his name even before and after he graced the stage.

St Louis thrilled with his high energy performance of his crossover hit, Year for Love, which featured well-choreographed dance routine and a protracted pyrotechnic display, which raised the temperature at the venue.

St Louis seemed destined to become the first person to secure the Soca and Calypso Monarchs in the same year with the same song, even before the second round of contestants had their turn.

A worthy contender arose late in the show as Francis stepped on stage near to the end.

Francis impressed as he coupled powerful and catchy lyrics with a melodic performance expected of a veteran.

Beginning his performance with spoken word introduction and him playing an acoustic guitar, Francis clearly articulated the positive message of his song.

“Change the change within our country. Change the change so the whole world could see...Change the change within our society otherwise, we have a bandit factory. Things will not change despite what we do, if change doesn’t start with you,” Francis sang as he got a standing ovation from the audience.

Speaking with reporters after the results, St Louis, a debutante in the competition, explained that he was happy with the outcome despite narrowly missing out on a record.

“It was a blessing to be here. I want to give thanks to the people, the supporters and my entire team for putting on a production that I didn’t even expect,” St Louis said as he stated that he would consider returning to the competition next year. St Louis’ second prize was $400,000.

The most shocking performance on the night was from defending monarch and record nine-time winner Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, who came last.

Liverpool’s composition Eulogy was a tribute to former president George Maxwell Richards, who died last month.

Also joining Liverpool in the bottom half of 17 member ranking was former monarchs Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna, Sandra “Singing Sandra” Millington, Kurt Allen and Karen Asche, whose joint ninth place finish with Dexter “The Stinger” Parsons was a shock to her vocal fans in the audience, who expressed their opinion known while the results were being announced.

Former monarch Duane O’Connor shocked himself his seventh-place finish as he was only granted permission to perform an hour before the show after a High Court judge upheld his lawsuit against the competition’s organisers, the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).

O’Connor, who appeared exhausted from his legal battle with TUCO which began after the Calypso Fiesta semi-finals last weekend, likened his respectable finish to his victory in 2012.

“I honestly thought they would drop me somewhere between 15th and 17th. When I heard them call out the results, it was like when I won. I can not tell you how happy I am,” O’Connor, whose son Duane Junior won this year’s Junior Calypso Monarch title and performed in the show.

Despite the poor turnout of fans, those in attendance were treated to a cultural showcase of traditional Carnival characters organised by the show’s producer Dr Rudolph Ottley and special performances from veteran calypsonian David Rudder and soca artists Neil “Iwer” George, Olatunji Yearwood and Shurwayne Winchester. The show was rounded off with a performance by Dil-E-Nadan, who performed a cataloge of 2018 soca hits.

RESULTS

1. Helon Francis - Change - 442
2. Aaron “Voice St Louis - Year For Love - 433
3. Rondell Donawa - De Problem - 427
4. Michael “Protector” Legerton - We Could Do Better Than That - 421
5. Joanne Rowley - Rowley to Rowley - 419
6. Myron “Myron B” Bruce - The Great Nation - 419
7. Duane O’Connor - No Front Page - 415
8. Karen Asche - Song Of Inspiration - 409
9. Dexter “The Stinger” Parsons - Chinese Tuition - 409
10. Kurt Allen - Circle Square Science - 408
11. Alana “Lady Watchman” Sinnette-Khan - Dead Beat - 404
12. Selvon “Mistah Shak” Noel - Rebellion - 400
13. Stacey Sobers - Calypso Capital - 399
14. Sandra “Singing Sandra” Millington - Power In Song - 397
15. Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna - Finally - 389
16. Carlos “Skatie” James - Ah Cutback - 387
17. Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool - Eulogy - 385

A 17-year-old teenager of Brad Park, Perseverance Village, Chaguanas was stabbed to death after leaving J’Ouvert celebrations yesterday.

ACP Richard Smith, Head of Operations in the Central Division, confirmed that around 10.10 am Rishard Singh left J’Ouvert celebrations Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas and got into an altercation along the Southern Main Road near Edinburgh Gardens.

A man reportedly stabbed him several times. Smith said the suspect along with other men were arrested and were in police custody. A weapon was also seized. Police officially closed off J’Ouvert celebrations at 10 am.

The victim’s brother, Ryan Sampath, was inconsolable yesterday. He said they went to J’Ouvert celebrations in Chaguanas and were awaiting transport to go home when they were attacked by a gang of teens.

He said the group was an offensive word by one of the teenagers who allegedly stabbed him and ran off. Sampath said when he saw his brother lying on the ground he alerted the police.

“One of the fellers say they make a mistake and stab him, but yuh cyar make a mistake and stab somebody in they heart…I hold my brother dead in my hand, that is the worst feeling I ever have,” he said.

Police also got into a gunfight at Longdenville around 10.30 am when they attempted to search a man. The suspect pulled out a gun and shot at the police.

Officers returned fire and the suspect was shot and taken to the hospital. Smith said 400 police and soldiers were deployed in Central for Carnival and police are clamping down on criminal activities and conducting routine searches.

Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan extended condolences to the relatives of Singh.

Boodhan said, “It is very saddening and troubling that this incident happened following celebrations. The police has been extending all efforts to curb criminal activity and the actual J’Ouvert celebrations was incident-free. I am urging the police and members of the public to be more vigilant and avoid the temptation of getting into arguments and altercations.”

Rondell Pierre retained the King of J’ouvert title yesterday while his niece, Lynelle Pierre, was named the 2018 Queen of J’ouvert.

The two were selected following the Old Mas competition, Port-of-Spain. Yesterday’s crowning marked a second consecutive win for Rondell who copped the title in 2017. Meanwhile, Lynelle’s win saw her winning the crown from last year’s title-holder. Lynelle previously held the title in 2016.

The two were selected from a field of 21, which also featured several other relatives all vying for the winning spots. Minutes after she was declared the winner, Lynelle hugged her grandfather Herbert “Natty” Pierre as she said he was the one behind her success.

“Everything comes from the mastermind who is my grandfather,” she said. Lynelle credited the 70-something-year-old for her inspiration.

“He just has the ideas and comes to us and says this is what you are playing, instructs us on what props we will need.”

The senior Pierre also managed to take second place in the male category, while his grandson, Ronaldo Pierre, placed third. Rondell’s winning presentation titled “Wayne Chance Have Real Belly, He Not Getting Fed Up,” featured him wearing an adult diaper complete with a pacifier in his mouth, crawling to a make-shift bed where a bottle containing milk was tied to a stick high above him.

His antics proved to be amusing to the spectators, judges and competitors alike as he attempted to reach the bottle of milk after lying on his back and crying for the formula.

Rondell’s frantic crawl to rescue the bottle after it came loose prompted people in the crowd to shout-out words of encouragement as he got hold of it and rolled onto his back and began drinking frantically.

Lynelle’s presentation was titled “U.N. See After Kamla Knock D Anti-Gang Bill, She Has A Big Change of Heart.”

Clad in a black pants, black vest and light-yellow jacket — Lynelle’s act opened in Parliament with a debate on the Anti-Gang Bill.

Other props in her presentation included pieces of wood, bricks and even tyres which acted as “blocks” to the legislation which were depicted on a sign tied atop a remote-control car. Lynelle managed to conceal the signs until the last few seconds of her presentation.

Lynelle said she grew up watching her mom and cousins win the ole mas competition. Herbert “Natty” Pierre said in the last 12 years, the family managed to produce nine Queens and seven Kings. He said he was first asked to produce a presentation for a friend years ago and hit upon the idea to get the family involved because he wanted to keep the traditional artform alive.

“I don’t want to win. I only look at the numbers,” he said.

Asked how he selected topics, Herbert said they would come to him as he read the newspapers and focused on current affairs.

A former television host/producer/entertainer, Herbert said, “I have been into humour and drama for a very long time,” but he laughed as he admitted, “Like I don’t want to give anyone else a chance, I have to jump out.”

Rondell said yesterday’s win was just a continuation of the great achievements they had managed to secure in the past several years. He said, “It is hard work but we are dedicated to it.”

Traditional J’Ouvert in San Fernando almost hit rock bottom yesterday as only veteran mas band Blue Boys registered for the competition.

Apart from three individual masqueraders and a mud band that accompanied Union Hall Southlanders, there wasn’t ole time mas’ for spectators gathered at the Harris Promenade judging point.

There were, however, sweet steel pan music from Caribbean Airlines’ Skiffle, who remained on a high after placing second in the National Panorama competition on Saturday.

Band leader of Blue Boys, Val Ramsingh told the T&T Guardian that tradition mas has been dying since a former mayor introduced the modern category to J’Ouvert.

Although his band featured a few youngsters, he said young people were no longer interested in traditional mas and preferred to play in the modern bands.

“San Fernando has Limerz Krew with 1,500 people, Dev’s Barbershop has 11 trucks and in Blue Boys, we sold 21 jerseys. Last year we sold 35 jerseys, five years ago we sold 100 jerseys. Understand the process we’re talking about. This is not an accident.

One must understand the history of why this has come to past. Kalypso Revue tent closed down. Why? Understand that things take time to be destroyed, things take time to be built and it is a process. We used to have seven and eight tradition J’Ouvert old mas bands. Where are they today?”

Blue Boys didn’t fail to entertain, though, as they had the audience in stitches with their presentation of Blame it on De PP. From humorous portrayal’s of the A&V Drilling “fake oil” scandal to Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe’s high roaming charges and Chief Justice Ivor Archie’s friendship with ex-convict Dillian Johnson, almost all the hot topics of the past year were featured.

Deputy mayor Vidya Mungal-Bissessar, who launched the celebrations at 5.30 am, said a greater focus has to be placed on traditional mas. Mungal-Bissessar said that as a start, the judging of tradition mas has returned to the promenade where there is a niche for that category.

“It will take some time, yes, it will take some more focus.The good thing is that we have the live streams, we have the people sharing on Facebook live, WACK radio is here so we’re going international and people are seeing that we’re back to the old time thing.

I think it will encourage people again, providing the seating, which is key. People want somewhere comfortable and fit to be able to see everything, look at everything. We will work out the kinks, but we’re off to a good start,” Mungal Bissessar said.

Old Tech Steel Orchestra and Southern All Stars did their part to appease pan lovers, but it was Caribbean Airlines’ Skiffle that “raised the roof” with their performance of Kes’ mega-hit Hello.

Bare stands and vacant pavements greeted J’Ouvert revellers in the capital city of Port-of-Spain yesterday a dismal sign for vendors and organisers alike. Up to 8.30 am yesterday—the Lord Kitchener Stand, South Quay remained virtually deserted. It was a similar situation as the normally crowded streets along South Quay and Broadway, Independence Square remained devoid of spectators.

A long-time supporter of Carnival, 60-year-old Mary Adams, of Belmont, who journeyed into the capital around 3 am— expressed surprise at the lack of spectators.

“I got up extra early to come here because I know it always have people here and I wanted to make sure I got a good seat. Imagine, we have our pick now and we could even switch seats too,” Adams said, as she burst out in laughter.

Asked why people may have stayed away, Adams opined, “It could be any number of things right now. I know the crime bad and plenty people frighten to come out although the police keep saying it is okay.”

At exactly 4 am, Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez declared the start to the Carnival celebrations—while National Carnival Commission chairman, Colin Lucas said he was looking forward to what was shaping up to be an “interesting” season.

He urged both masqueraders and spectators to have, “A great, safe and enjoyable Carnival 2018.”

Also present for the formal opening was former mayor Murchison Brown.

Chairman of the Downtown Carnival Committee, Wendell Stephens—who has been holding the position for the last five years — said he intended to step down following after this year’s season. He said, “chairing Carnival has been a challenge.”

“However, it has been a challenge that I have managed to overcome during the last five years as chairman.”

Stephen praised Supt Glenn Charles of the Port-of-Spain City Police as one of the main people who guided him through his years of organising the Carnival celebrations.

Stephens said he was ready to pass on the baton. Asked what measures had been adopted to ensure the downtown judging point was safe for all users, Charles boasted, “The Downtown Carnival is one of the safest zones.”

“This year, we did out homework to correct whatever little problems we have last year and we intend to keep it that way.”

The main problem last year was the issue of crowd control as the larger bands positioned themselves for judging.

“We have since brought in additional numbers to assist and because of the security threat, we are even more vigilant regarding people going up into the stands and we are keeping a more vigilant watch.”

Charles said they were assisted by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) as well Court and Process Branch officers in searching spectators and arresting those on outstanding warrants.

Insp Krishna Boodoo, who was in charge of the RBC carpark located opposite to the judge’s bandstand at South Quay, said “We want to ensure the masqueraders and the public using this venue are safe. We are wishing the Carnival goers all the best and a safe celebration.” He said they were ready for any emergency.

J’Ouvert celebrations in San Fernando were shut down by the police after a reveller was murdered.

There was also a report of a shooting and several others people were stabbed in San Fernando.

The heavy presence police on alert in light of the terror threat did not curb the violence which led to police cut off stop the celebration, particularly to avoid any reprisal in response to the murder and shooting.

The police did not prevent the bands from being judged but they stopped the music promptly at 11 am when judging ended. There were two judging points at Independence Avenue and Harris Promenade.

The official time for music to end along the route was midday.

According to police reports, around 8.20 am Osei Joseph, 24, of La Romaine, who was with friends in a J’Ouvert band, had an altercation with a group of men on Cipero Street. One of the men whipped out a knife and stabbed him three times, once in the neck and twice in the back.

Twenty minutes on the same street near Park Street, another man was shot. Police said Kion Jack, 26, of Montgomery Street, Ste Madeleine, was liming with friends when they heard a loud explosion.

Jack was shot to his upper body and fell to the ground. He was shot once, but the bullet when through his chest and back. There were also several reports of fights and minor stabbing incidents.

Two young men were also arrested after they tried to rob revellers along Rienzi Kirton Highway with an imitation gun. Police was also called to a two-car collision along Lady Hailes Avenue near the entrance to the San Fernando General Hospital.

In a miraculous incident, around 10.30 am yesterday the driver of a white Lancer walked away from a serious accident in which his car split into two pieces after a collision with an electricity pole along the Valencia Stretch.

Up to yesterday afternoon, investigators were conducting enquires to try to locate the driver. Officers of the Sangre Grande Police Station received an anonymous call about the accident. The driver, the lone occupant, slammed the vehicle into a light pole.

The driver alighted and walked away, eyewitnessed told police. He did not appear to have any visible injuries, an eyewitness told police.

Persistence and dedication paid off for two veteran masqueraders who secured victory in this year’s Carnival King and Queen competition following years of unsuccessful forays in the annual contest.

Earl Thompson and Roxanne Omalo improved on their fifth and seventh place results in the preliminary round of the competition, as they dazzled both the judges and the modest audience and outshone their 18 competitors at the Dimanche Gras show at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Sunday night.

Thompson, whose costume “Death and The Maiden The Fancy King Sailor Play Pegasus” was designed by acclaimed designer Peter Minshall, was crowd favourite as he utilised his theatre experience to animate the costume.

Minshall’s interpretation of the Greek mythical creature was an intricately designed black stallion with hand painted wings which featured a dancing skeleton and a semi-nude masquerader.

Thompson slowly trod on stage with a pre-recorded introduction voiced by Minshall and performed to a pan rendition of Bach’s eerie Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, played Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, the band he will perform with on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

The costume was Minshall’s first since 2016 when his moko jumbie and ballet-themed costume—The Dying Swan, Ras Nijinsky in Drag as Pavlova—failed to win despite receiving widespread acclaim. In an interview after being crowned Thompson said he was able to improve his performance through first-hand demonstrations from Minshall, whose Callaloo Company he has been a member of for almost 27 years.

“It (preliminary performance) was me not understanding the costume and what it was meant to do. Over the past few days, I was well schooled and taught how to do it by Peter. He demonstrated to what to do and how to do it,” Thompson said. Thompson said the performance was assisted by Minshall’s deceptively simple design.

“A costume designed by Minshall is literally one that you would die to want to wear because of its balance and the thinking behind it,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s only narrowly beat defending monarch Ted Eustace, who came second.

The 30-foot tall costume “Dos Bandditos”, comprised of two sombrero-wearing skeletons riding two menacing skeletal dragons, which Eustace controlled mechanically.

Eustace’s brother Curtis missed out on a record tenth win in the competition as his costume “Kamatachi- D Chinese Demon Butterfly” failed to make the top three despite topping the preliminary round.

The older Eustace appeared to suffer a costume malfunction as one of the wings of his monstrous colourful butterfly appeared to be fractured when being set up backstage. Ravi Lakhan and South King of Carnival Marlon Rampersad tied for third place.

Rampersad’s mother Gloria Dallsingh, who also won the South Queen of Carnival, tied for second place in the Queens competition with last year’s winner Krystal Thomas.

However, they were no match for Roxanne Omalo, whose costume “Lilith-Mistress of the Eternally Dammed” was easily the largest in the competition.

Her costume, designed by Varma Lakhan, featured a crimson and black skeletal figure carrying a scythe, being led by a pair of demonic figures that released fireworks as she performed before the judges.

Despite its size, Omalo, a perennial finalist who never won, was able to effortlessly manoeuver the costume across the stage while dancing freely compared to other competitors who carefully negotiated the props positioned for the Calypso Monarch competition.

“I just had to know how to control the costume on stage because in the preliminaries the stage is free. I guess because of my expertise I knew when to turn and how to execute it and here we are tonight,” Omalo said.

Omalo almost did not make it to the final following a mishap with the costume earlier this week.

“This year we started off very rocky because the costume broke on the morning of the preliminaries, so we had to go back to the drawing board,” Omalo said.

She went on: “I was in position 10 so I knew whoever was before me, I had to close the show with a bang and I did it.”

Omalo, who has participated consistently over the past eight years, said the victory was a dream come through as she predicted that she would gain her first crown before she made decade in the competition.

RESULTS

Carnival King
1. Earl Thompson - Death And The Maiden The Fancy King Sailor Play Pegasus
2. Ted Eustace - Dos Bandditos
3. Ravi Lakhan -Balrog “Bringer Of The Apocalypse” and Marlon
Rampersad - d Midas Touch
Carnival Queen
1. Roxanne Omalo -Lilith-Mistress of the Eternally Dammed
2. Krystal Thomas - De Head Huntress
and Gloria Dallsingh - Gem Of The Ocean

Machel Montano’s “Soca Kingdom”, Iwer George’s “Savannah”” and Kes’ “Hello” were the choice of songs by masqueraders who crossed the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, stage yesterday.

The popular 2018 calypsoes were played repeatedly on the trucks during the presentation of the Parade of the Bands at the Savannah, which had a poor attendance of patrons and tourists in the North and Grand Stands.

First to cross the stage at 10 am were the traditional bands comprising of jab jabs, Indians, blue devils and fancy sailors. Most of the masqueraders in these bands favoured Kes’ infectious song “Hello.”

However, large bands such as Tribe, Lost Tribe and Passion opted for Montano’s “Soca Kingdom” and George’s “Savannah” both of which have been favourites for the entire Carnival season. When the first large band-Passion with its presentation-Pandora the Secret Within hit the stage at 1.15 pm their choice of song on the music truck was Montano’s Soca Kingdom, as its masqueraders enjoyed themselves to the hilt.

They were followed by Lost Tribe’s presentation Seven who opted for both Montano and George’s hit as they pranced on stage in their colourful and skimpy costumes.

Following behind with its presentation Once Upon a Dream was Tribe who enjoyed Montano and George’s songs to their delight.

In all, 79 mini, small, medium and large bands were expected to cross the stage yesterday.

How far, how far again?

Those were the distressed words of Road March contender Machel Montano shortly after he came off a Tribe music truck at the Socadrome, Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain, suffering from some sort of illness yesterday.

Montano, visibly in pain and on the verge of a possible collapse, subsequently had to be hurried into a waiting chartered maxi taxi.

Seconds after the maxi drove off, Montano was transferred to an ambulance and attended to by medics. The ambulance sped away along Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook, and is believed to have taken Montano for medical treatment at a nearby private hospital.

Up to press time it was not confirmed what had happened to the soca king. But sources around Montano told the T&T Guardian that while on the truck at the Socadrome, Montano, who was belting out his road march tune “Soca Kingdom,” complained a few times that he was in some sort of discomfort. However, the people around him on the truck did not make any alarm or call for help for the singer. Twice Montano was seen attempting to place one of his feet on the truck’s railing and holding it and grimacing as though in pain.

At about 12.26 pm, as the truck drove off from the main stage and turned in an easterly direction to exit the complex, Montano was seen climbing down the truck. As security around him tried to hold him up, Montano began shouting: “How far, how far again.”

An eyewitness said he knew something was not right with Montano, noting as he was being escorted “his face looked as though he wanted to faint and like he could not hold up. He just wanted to get out.”

But sources close to Montano told the T&T Guardian there was “not anything to worry about.”

“We suspect that it could be a matter of exhaustion, but it is guaranteed that Machel will get the best treatment and once he is okay he will resume once more on the truck to continue with his live performance of his hit.”

At the Socadrome yesterday, Tribe’s Once Upon a Dream was the second big band to cross the stage at 11 am until 12.30 pm. The first big band Bliss went on stage at 9.56 am and Yuma crossed at 1 pm.

Paparazzi, with its presentation Nomadik Nation, was one of this year’s new bands to pass through the venue around 3.20 pm.

Traditional mas characters, including Necessary Arts’ Blue Devils (directed by Pennelope Spencer), Bats, Pierrot Grenades, Baby Dolls, Dame Lorraines, Jab Jabs and Midnight Robbers also gave dramatic performances to the delight of the hundreds of spectators.

Socadrome spokesperson Danielle Jones-Hunte said nine bands registered to cross the venue yesterday, after they agreed to open up the stage to all bands wanting to cross. She said security was also beefed up given that there were reports of a Carnival threat.

There were also performances on the day from David Rudder, who had most on their feet and dancing with some of his old hits, including Amen, The Hammer and 2017 hit Welcome to Trinidad, Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuna and Timothy “Baron” Watkins Jr.

While thousands joined revellers in the two days of Carnival, many took to the beaches to camp with their family and friends.

When T&T Guardian visited beaches along the northeast and southeast coasts yesterday, there were people from all parts of the country present.

Many admitted that the difficulties in travelling to Tobago forced them to change their plans and stay in Trinidad, which saw an influx of visitors to beaches like Salybia in Toco, Manzanilla, Mayaro and Guayaguayare.

Most of the beach houses were fully booked while the beaches were also littered with campers.

The Phakira family, of Chaguanas, told the T&T Guardian they had been going to Salybia Beach for the last 30 years for Carnival because they liked the ambience of the area, safety and the warm welcome they received from villagers. They added that this period served as a time for reuniting and socialising with family members and making new friends.

Pastor of the Nazarene Church of Arouca, Kerron Lee, said his congregation had been spending Carnival at Toco for the last 18 years and enjoyed every minute of their stay. However, he said, he had to look for a bigger place next year as many more of his members wanted to join them.

Most campers said the beaches on the north east and south east coats were very safe for camping, noting police made regular visits and spoke with them.

“We not missing anything and are also having a wonderful time, having fun and enjoying the music provided by DJs. Most important, we breathing fresh air and enjoying the ozone,” one camper said.

At Salybia in particular, even the villagers looked after the campers’ safety and ensured they enjoyed themselves.

Toco’s small business community said their sales were high and the the most profitable they had had for a while.

Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Terry Rondon visited the campers, and was congratulated for providing added security, lifeguards, and portable toilets at the camp sites.

Rondon said many had journeyed to Toco as there were problems travelling to Tobago. He said campers not only occupied Salybia beach, but at Rampanalagas as well.

Head of the Salybia lifeguards Gimmie Gopaul said his team of seven ensured the safety of all campers, the number of who he said, doubled this year.

He thanked the campers for cooperating with them.

National Union of Government and Federal Workers’ Union Lifeguard branch president Augustus Sylvester says Monday’s drowning of Renald Ambrose at Maracas Beach could have been prevented if the necessary staff was in place.

Ambrose, 67, died after he got into difficulty in the rough waters at the beach.

The Meteorological Service had warned that there would be rough seas and waves reaching 12 feet in height during the Carnival period.

In an interview yesterday, Sylvester said at this time of year, there were always strong currents at the beach, but that did not stop beachgoers from flocking there.

However, he said, despite this they did not have the numbers to provide an adequate service to people who flocked to the most popular beach in the country during the festive season.

“We have early morning to late at night staff, but this year that was not put in place because of the lack of administrative staff,” he claimed.

Sylvester said at the time Ambrose was in the water, lifeguard Marlon Deosaran had just reported for duty and managed to rush to assist.

He said the normal start time for duty was 10 am but Deosaran arrived early.

Michael Pierre, owner of Uncle Sam’s Bar, and a former lifeguard, rushed to rescue Ambrose after beachgoers ran to his establishment seeking help.

Pierre said at the time, no lifeguards were around and he rushed into the rough waters to assist Ambrose, who was yards out in open waters.

“Somebody ran across saying somebody drowning and I thought the lifeguards were there. I did not see anybody and I went out and I saw the distance and I say not me. He was floating over 300 yards out beyond the breakers,” Pierre said.

He said eventually he reconsidered his stance.

“I said nah, I resigned 20 years now as a lifeguard and I saved over 360 lives but it is a life and no money can’t pay for life,” he said.

Pierre said he then took a bodyboard a beachgoer had.

“I snatched the board but it broke. This could be a family man, I said I just have to rescue this man,” Pierre said.

He said while in the water he realised he was being followed by a lifeguard.

“That’s when I saw it have 500 yards more. We caught the man and he (Ambrose) sort of give up and couldn’t hold up. He was conscious and then got away from us. The water was rough and when I got him back he was unconscious,” Pierre said.

Pierre said he and Deosaran eventually got Ambrose to the beach where they started cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Ambrose was then taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“I was sad and shaken up over it,” Pierre said.

Last week, the National Security Ministry, said the ministry was working to improve the lifeguards’ working conditions.

“The Ministry of National Security HR unit continues to treat with the issues of lifeguards and continue to explore ways to improve the conditions of all workers, including lifeguards, even in the face of harsh economic times,” a release said.

A total of 13 people have been arrested in connection with a plot made to disrupt this year’s Carnival activities, acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said yesterday.

Last Thursday, members of the T&T Police Service revealed they had uncovered and prevented a threat to disrupt Carnival activities mere days before the festival.

Speaking to members of the media yesterday after touring Port-of-Spain during the Carnival celebrations, Williams confirmed that more suspects had been arrested and other properties were searched during the weekend.

“No one has been released and the number is growing and there should be 13 persons detained,” Williams said.

Another El Socorro resident was detained by police for questioning after a home there was searched and the compound of the Darul Uloom Islamic school in Cunupia was also searched on Monday.

The family of Tariq Mohammed, one of the first people detained last week when the police first announced the plot, has since sent a letter to Williams demanding his release.

On the overall efforts of the security forces to maintain security over the Carnival season, Williams yesterday said: “T&T has had a combined effort with police, Defence Force and intelligence agencies working together to address the challenges that are confronting us today and into the future. We are working as a team to address all the issues in the context of crime and likely incidents of crime.”

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, who was also on the tour, commended law enforcement officers for their efforts in ensuring the revellers enjoyed a mostly safe Carnival season.

“People are enjoying the activities and doing it in a peaceful manner. The law enforcement and members of Defence Force can’t do it by themselves and what we have, we’ve seen a good deal of collaboration by the citizens and foreigners and I believe together we can make it through this evening and enjoy a safe and secure Carnival celebrations,” he said.

Denyse Bailey grabbed her three daughters and hid in her bedroom after a gunman opened fire on her house, killing her son-in-law and injuring another relative on Monday.

Che Romeo, 27, of Circle Drive, Embaccadere, died after being shot three times about the head and chest.

Police found more than 30 spent shells, fired from an automatic 9 mm pistol at the scene.

Kerry Clarke, 34, suffered three gunshot wounds to the left leg while Bailey’s husband, Marlon Legendre, escaped injury. The gunman, who wore a black outfit with white shoes, ran up a hill and escaped. No one got a clear view of him.

Recalling the incident yesterday, Bailey said she had just returned home and got into bed with her three daughters when she heard gunshots rattling the house around 8.45 pm.

Legendre was sitting in the porch while Romeo and Clarke were sitting on chairs in the front yard when the gunman came. The men fled as the gunshots rang out.

Her 17-year-old son, who was asleep in another bedroom, also hid.

Bailey said her husband and son-in-law had no enemies and she did not know what triggered the incident. Saying she was thankful her husband made it out of the gunfire alive, Bailey said she was now praying for an end to the violence.

An autopsy is expected to be done on Romeo’s body today at the Forensic Science Centre, St James. Anyone with information on the murder can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS.

Chaguanas will become the Mecca of traditional mas in South and Central, according to Chaguanas Carnival Committee (CCC) vice chairman Ronald Heera.

Heera made the comment as the CCC held its Traditional Mas showcase on Carnival Monday night at Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas.

Heera said instead of giving prizes the CCC offered an appearance fee as an incentive.

“We have steelpan, bands from as far as La Brea in the south and the Jungle People from Grand Riviere in the north,” Heera said.

“We want to create a greater interest in traditional mas and spur on the next generation. We have had some success over the years, as we see more and more young people getting involved. Tonight we saw young Sapphire Joseph playing the Midnight Robber. Sapphire’s grandfather, the late Ivan Ryce, was a legend in the world of the Midnight Robber. We had another young lady, 12-year-old Jade Ching Hong, who also portrayed the Midnight Robber and gave an excellent performance. Young people are playing Jab Jabs, we are on the right track.”

Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan added: “Traditional mas is a wonderful thing, it allows for the creativity of one generation to pass to another.

“I was touched to see six-year-old Sapphire Joseph and Jade Chin Hong put forward so much energy and enthusiasm in their performance. This would inspire other youth to combine the artistic elements of drama into Carnival. This is something we want. I want to see youth use their energy into becoming creative and dynamic as they contribute to building our culture.”

Boodhan said he hoped the National Carnival Commission would pump more support into traditional mas.

Unable to afford Carnival costumes, some south masqueraders created their own costumes and jumped up with prominent bands during yesterday’s Parade of the Bands in San Fernando.

However, the bands were judged on Harris Promenade and seemed more organised and orderly than previous years.

Southern Mas Associates was the first to cross the stage to Machel Montano and Super Blue’s Soca Kingdom. Their presentation, titled Indigenous Americas, portrayed several sections of feathered Indian mas.

This was followed by Fireworks Promotions’ Tabanca presentation, which crossed the stage from 12.15 to 12.55 pm. Kalicharan’s’s Elixir of Life came next followed by Jagessar’s Eminence at 2.55 pm.

Veteran masquerader Rosemarie Kuru Jagessar said despite the downturn in the economy, the number of masqueraders in his band did not dwindle.

“In fact, we had more masqueraders than last year because over the last few days many people came out and supported me because this year marks my 40 year anniversary. Those who started playing mas with me came back to play this year,” Kuru-Jagessar said.

She added, however, that some people opted to make their own costumes.

“Some people came on Saturday and asked permission to jump up with us and they offered to make their own costumes,” Kuru-Jagessar said.

But mas producer Ivan Kalicharan said the economic downturn had affected his 2018 Carnival production, saying there was a 25 per cent decrease in participation although they reduced the price of costumes.

He said there are usually 1,500 people playing mas with his band annually.

At the Carnival bandstand, judge Walid Baksh said some bands appeared larger than before. He also said there were three new bands this year. Saying south mas was very much alive, Baksh said the band owners were still successful in marketing their product and attracting masqueraders.

“Despite the economy, some of the bands appeared larger than last year according to the numbers we had here,” Baksh said.

San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello said the use of the bandstand was cost effective and worked well for showcasing Carnival. He added that a post mortem will be done on Carnival 2018 and better preparations will be made for next year.

“Due to retrenchment and high unemployment, we have to find new ways to market the mas. We have to look at the Diaspora and make San Fernando more friendly for spectators and masqueraders,” Regrello said.

Commending major bands Kalicharan, Jaggesar and Fireworks for keeping south mas alive, Regrello said he hoped to encourage local producers to bring indigenous materials for mas production to the 2019 Carnival parade.

“There are low cost materials that can be used and we will be asking local manufacturers to send samples of what can be used for mas production,” Regrello said.

He added that property owners on Cipero Street would also be barred from renting out the pavements in front their businessplaces for commerce in future.

In the Road March race, Montano and Super Blue’s Soca Kingdom, Iwer George’s Savannah and Kes’ Hello played prominently as the bands crossed the stage.

As the reign of the Merry Monarch came to a fantastic finish yesterday, The Eyes Of God, a production of legendary masman Peter Minshall, took centre stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

Minshall, who re-entered the big stage after an absence of several years, produced a sailor band accompanied by melodious sounds from the Exodus steelband, much to the delight of masqueraders and spectators alike.

The Eyes Of God was produced in collaboration with the Calaloo Company and featured a black and white colour scheme of white sailor pants, white sailor caps and white T-shirts with black writing which drew much appreciation.

Bikini and beads also had their usual spot on the big stage as frenzied frolickers portrayed brilliant, intricately-woven costumes displaying a kaleidoscope of colours.

Earlier, it was not unusual that the Harts band was at the entrance to the Savannah stage promptly at 8 am. The 11 sections were in keeping with the band’s theme Shimmer and Lace, with costumes featuring lace, sheer body suits, capes and some bling.

Large band Ronnie and Caro’s Life’s Checkered Board also put on a fantastic display with sections like Fight to the Finish, Game Changers, Game Haters and Lovers of the Game which told a story: life is like a game of chess where people must play wisely and create their own niche, as the journey is only for a time.

The band, which is in its eleventh year, has copped a hattrick with its previous wins.

Band leader Ronnie McIntosh, who briefly spoke afterwards, said the tough economic times had some effect this year as their numbers were down.

“This year we have about 1,100 masqueraders. We were eventually sold out in the end, but when people are faced with one month-end salary before Carnival it is hard and we understand that,” McIntosh said.

“But our foreign customer base has increased. We treat everyone really good because Carnival makes an important contribution to our economy...people are spending their money and customer service must be important.”

Another large band, Paparazzi, which had an estimated 1,500 masqueraders, was spectacular with its presentation Carnival is Nomadik Nations. The sections, including Red Light District, featured cultures from around the world.

Legacy’s We Jamming Still created its concept from the 2017 Road March by the Ultimate Rejects.

Band director Mahindra Satram-Maharaj said although the song was last year it was very relevant today given the financial constraints faced by many.

“It shows the resilient of our people ... that despite in the face of adversity we persevere and find solutions,” Satram-Maharaj said as sections like Hope and Unity crossed the stage. Just after noon, however, there was a lull when party band Fantasy Carnival took much longer to cross the stage as revellers were reluctant to exit. With its presentation the Isle of Olympia, Fantasy was accompanied by soca star Machel Montano, who delivered his runaway hit Soca Kingdom from one of music trucks.

K2K Alliance and Partners also weaved a theme of hope with its presentation We Stand United, as it honed in on unifying topics such as love, faith, brotherhood, family and resilience born through struggle.

There were also some small band’s like Masters of the Art, which featured Belmont Exotic Stylish Sailors showcasing traditional fancy sailor mas.

Some 75 bands were registered with the National Carnival Commission (NCC). The results for Band of the Year are expected to be announced today.

Hours after it began spitting gas, the Devil’s Woodyard mud volcano erupted before dawn yesterday, leaving residents cowering in their homes.

The rumbles and explosionsshook the community of Hindustan,  New Grant, around 4.20 am and again at 8.52 am. Some 40 people had to be evacuated.

The first eruption lasted for about 20 seconds before the heaps of volcanic sulphuric dirt began spewing about 20 feet in the air.

The second lasted about five seconds and went up about 10 feet in the air. The volcanic dirt, which measured about 15 feet in height, covered an expanse of three acres after the eruptions.

Fire substation officer Marvin Richardson yesterday called on residents to evacuate their homes and remove their vehicles from the area, saying this posed a hazard.

Despite the call, hundreds of people flocked to the scene hoping to catch a glimpse of the eruption.

Eventually, police cordoned off the area and prevented anyone from entering Hindustan Road.

Caretaker Premchand Boochoon said he knew the volcano would erupt since Carnival Monday.

Having been a witness to the last eruption in 1995, Boochoon said he became concerned when he noticed the cracks stretching from the crater to the walkway.

“It was bubbling up a lot more than usual and it was hissing. I knew something was going to happen and this is why I didn’t stay there last night. I went home and sure enough it erupted this morning,” Boochoon said.

Resident Tara Pooranlal said her family was liming on the outskirts of the Devil’s Woodyard play park until 1 am oblivious to the danger.

Around 4.30 am, after she returned home, she began hearing explosions like gunshots, followed by a loud rumbling which resembled the sound of an air plane taking off.

“It was louder than an air plane, much scarier. I realised the volcano was erupting. There was a hissing noise and the house began to shake. I wanted to go out and see what was happening but I was too scared.

This is not something you want to experience,” Pooranlal said.

The toilet area near the volcanic site sank a few feet, while the cobble stones from the walkway leading to the site were severely damaged.

Cracks developed about 2,000 metres from the bubbling crater, which looked as if it was swirling when viewed from above using drone photographs captured by CNC3 cameraman Ivan Toolsie.

The ODPM cleared residents to return to their homes last night.

Even as the Divers’ Association prepared to make a case before the T&T Bureau of Standards today calling for an end to commercial scuba diving, the body of a diver, believed to be Chevonne Bartholemew, was fished out of the Gulf of Paria in Cedros yesterday.

The body, clad in a black wetsuit complete with a divers’ weight belt, was found floating in the Gulf of Paria, off Cedros around 2 pm. Bartholemew went missing on January 29.

The body was brought to shore where it was viewed by a District Medical Officer and then transferred by boat to the San Fernando mortuary.

Public relations officer of the T&T Coast Guard Lt Sherron Manswell said even though there was a possibility that the body was Bartholemew’s, his family still had to confirm the identity.

His wife, Pete-Ann, who has remained adamant that her husband will be found alive, said she felt at peace when contacted yesterday.

“I am feeling Jesus’ peace right now. It’s amazing,” Pete-Ann said. Saying their ten-year-old son turns 11 years today, Pete-Ann said it was her hope that her missing husband is found.

“For him to be rescued he has to be found,” she said.

Diver Antonio O’Connor said the body found yesterday was clad in a divers’ suit and weight-belt similar to the one Chevonne was wearing when he disappeared. However, he said they too were awaiting a positive confirmation of the identity. There was no oxygen tank attached to the body.

He said the Association will today present a case before the Bureau of Standards, calling for scuba diving to be outlawed, as a commercial job. This method, which is outlawed in other countries, posed serious risks to divers as there is no lifeline or surface communication, O’Connor said.

O’Connor said it was dangerous for divers to be sent on underwater missions without proper gear.

President of the Divers Association of T&T Rupert Paul said scuba air should not have been the method used in Bartholemew’s last dive saying if he was outfitted with a helmet and hose, he would not have gone missing.

Bartholemew, 37, of Flamboyant Crescent, Valencia, was employed with Trindive Underwater Services which contracts commercial divers for companies involved in the oil and gas industry. He was inspecting oil tanker C-Spirit anchored off Gasparee Island in Chaguaramas when he disappeared.

The body of a 28-year-old scavenger was found among the garbage at the Forres Park Landfill in Claxton Bay yesterday.

The victim was later identified as Vijay Ramjattan, of Samad Ali Trace, Claxton Bay.

Police said the body was found around 6 am. The victim’s throat appeared to have been sliced and there were other bruises on the body. According to police reports, Ramjattan’s body was discovered by another scavenger.

Police are still trying to ascertain the circumstances of his murder.

The body was viewed by a district medical officer who ordered its removal to the Forensic Science Centre in Port-of-Spain. Police will be viewing surveillance footage from nearby CCTV cameras to assist them with their investigations.