The Sauce of Much Controversy!

"Don't ever feel compelled to supply ignorant people with an explanation!"

Thanks for your words Melanese!

Hot!! Hot!! Hot!!

So, I have been asked to poll you blog readers on "the hottest male and female bodies on the road for 08" (sic). Since "hot" or not is quite subjective, I shied away from actually doing a poll, however as I was looking through the photo galleries of the numerous photo websites I realized many masqueraders did indeed look very well put together on the road, with some looking quite outstanding. Whether they were blessed by superb genetics or the bodies are a result of months of hard work, this is the chance to give your picks a bligh.

Have some fun looking through the galleries that I have linked, and leave your two top choices as a comment, with the link (url) of the photograph included. Remember, we are voting for your choice of hottest MALE and FEMALE on the road for Carnival 2008!

Carnival Scene

Trini Stars

Trini Jungle Juice

Play Carnival

Watever

Lizzard Blizzard

Trini Pulse

Trini Crew

Toronto Lime

Carnival Power

Trini Soca

N.Y. Caribbean Vibes

Triniscene

Now, I did not have time to look through EVERY photo gallery of Carnival 2008, but here are my picks for Male and Female:

PHOTO SOURCE:
Triniscene.com

Trinipulse.com

She Said.. .....He Said

Many of you responded to my little post announcing that Island People’s galleries were up for viewing on their website, using the feedback feature to not only point out what you, as masqueraders, saw as a bias towards certain masqueraders being featured but also to express how you felt about it. Now, I am all for feedback, I think that bands should be grateful that they are getting into the brains of their masqueraders without having to pay for a market research survey; though the comments are not always positive (as in the case against the idea of TRIBE managing two bands for Carnival 2009) at the very least it gives an indication of masqueraders’ opinions which I would think smart band leaders should listen and pay attention to.

As far as feedback go, the comments that have nothing constructive to add but seek to defame, slander and libel others have to be deleted, hence I introduced the feature to register before being able to make comments. Prior to this anonymous comments were allowed and that “freedom” was abused.

Consequently I was asked to remove what was seen as a racist comment from the post entitled “Island People Pics!”, this is the offending comment:

Kerryann said...
Chris, I thought I was the only person that noticed.

I'm sorry but the 2 women that Wyatt was taking pictures of on carnival Monday were the only two that made up IP? I like looking at beautiful women too because they inspire me to look good but you know what, beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes and COLORS. Clearly he has a preference in what he thinks is beautiful but my gosh.....give us some variety.

To be fair to the request that was made I read over every single comment and personally saw nothing offensive or alluding to racism in any of the comments. However, I may be biased to the whole idea of “freedom of speech” seeing I was also banned from an online forum for what I saw as nothing more that speaking my mind. So I am asking YOU to tell me if you think that comment should be removed because it is alluding to the fact that the photographer in question is racist, or if any of the comments are libelous and defaming the character of the photographer in question. Your feedback, as always, is appreciated!

Your Feedback is wanted....

Here is a suggestion submitted by someone who reads the blog, and which I think is a cool idea. Submissions are open for YOU to submit your choice for the top costumes on the road for Carnival 2008, MALE and FEMALE. Costumes can be from chosen from any band. Consequently, your submissions will be then put up for voting at a later date.

Narrowing it down to favourites is somewhat difficult I think, especially with so many bands. Anyway, my picks from TRIBE and Island People are Lady of the Lake, Mystique,Goddess of the Chase, Silver Fox, King Fisher and Man o War costumes. I will have to scrutinise the other bands more closely to choose some more favourites, but I also liked Showgirls and Prince of Egypt in Harts. More of my picks to come and feel free to submit yours by leaving a comment!

Mama Dis is "Marse"!

Congratulations to Brian Mc Farlane winner of the Large Band of the Year and Ronnie & Caro who took home the prize for Medium Band of the Year. Mc Farlane’s Earth looked stunning; I loved the translation from sketches to actual costumes, it was quite impressive! On our way to meet TRIBE downtown we passed through Mc Farlane so I was lucky to see the entire band, my favourite sections were Fire, Pestilence and Gloom.

Ronnie and Caro were in front of TRIBE at the Savannah so I was again able to see the entire band; albeit it was a small presentation the costumes looked very vibrant and the entire band was well organized. Of the other bands I only managed to see a few costumes here and there; Evolution looked nice from the little I saw, Orange Appeal and Tantalize in Teal being my picks on the road. From Island People Kingfisher looked beautiful, as well as Egret, Zebra and Silver Fox. I noticed the design on Silver Fox was changed a bit with a piece of jewels added to the middle of the costume from bra to belt; I absolutely loved how this looked in person!

Of course I am totally biased to the band I played with and I thought MOST sections in TRIBE looked gorgeous; Lady of the Lake was impressive, when the sun hit the diamante the costume sparkled, Mystique was dazzling as purple is my favourite colour so I really liked how that section looked on the road. Goddess of the Chase is another section that stood out to me along with Water Nymph and Sun Goddess, though I did notice with the latter section some masqueraders got really full headpieces while others got a baby version! Titania looked surprisingly cute, feathered collar and all; I am neutral in my opinion on Pixie Dust and Amalthea. Black Magic I loved on the road, but I still don’t think I can ever play in so much black. I did not see many ladies wearing the wings for Autumn Sprite and to me that is what made the costume stand out, so I didn’t get awed by that costume at all.

The most underwhelming costume was Silver Mist. The costume looked too much like grey with very little silver, considering this was one of the hottest sections in the band initially I expected more glitz. I have to say the frontline Back Pack made the costume stand out, and to those ladies credit the frontliners looked great. Kudos to the Silver Mist ladies who were also able to wear that back pack ALL day, from what I heard it was very uncomfortable with no padding on the straps!

Overall I was generally impressed by the costumes I saw on Tuesday, most of the bands did a very good job and I was certainly pleased with MY costume! Hopefully for 2009 the standard of costuming will only get better with even more spectacular, beaded and feathered costumes for those of us who love our bikini and beads! Mc Farlane will hold down the mantle for the creative “marse” lovers, of course, and I wish that Oracle and other bands of that vein, will indeed offer more options and variety to appease the critics who seem to think that bikini and beads is not “marse”!!! As for me, once I am of able body, mind and health I am looking forward to 2009 with TRIBE!

Carnival Tuesday Recap

Carnival is serious business for me; I mean it may be obvious since I started this blog to document my obsession from band launching to the actual Carnival days. So, I was quite anxious when I collected my costume, but not my back pack. At first we (the other frontline members) were due to collect on Carnival Friday, which turned to Saturday, then Sunday (which was when I finally got my headpiece).. I did not think it was possible to collect on Monday, I mean THIS IS TRIBE after all,but people, I got my backpack on the road Carnival Tuesday!!!

I was pretty cool about the whole thing, since it was finally explained that the designer of the frontline sections was out of commission due to a personal emergency and TRIBE was left having to find a wirebender at the 99th hour. I even felt a bit of compassion towards the employees who had to endure hundreds of calls since my section was not the only one affected, as well as I was grateful that TRIBE addressed the situation by offering compensation to those who endured problems. However, all that graciousness went out the window on Monday night when I showed up at the mas camp, yet again, and could not collect my backpack. At that point I had really had enough and had to emit some sort of release. Now, I am not the type to cuss and carry on, remember TRIBE was being pretty decent about the whole thing, but when I could not get word on where my backpack was and when I was getting it I broke down in tears!!

So, I had a huge release of all that anxiety and eventually went home with assurances that they would deliver my back pack to me. Some of the ladies in frontline did indeed get their backpacks delivered at MIDNIGHT on Carnival Monday, but I live in the East and did not see the sense of having some poor soul drive all the way to my house to deliver my backpack when I could collect it on the road. That was how I ended up getting it on Carnival Tuesday, just before crossing the downtown stage. When I FINALLY got my back pack, it was like Christmas! I was SOOOOOOOOO happy, you all will not believe! And it was absolutely gorgeous, exactly like pictured so I had no problems at all; can I tell you how much I LOVED my costume? It was fabulous!!

Unfortunately my friend Mystique, who also played in Mystique Frontline, did not get her back pack/fin/wing on Tuesday, only the headpiece. I cannot begin to tell you how upset she was; even though TRIBE gave her a reimbursement all she wanted was to have her Frontline costume, every piece of it!! And to add insult to injury one of the girls from the mas camp wore the prototype on the road; note to TRIBE if none of the masqueraders got their back pack do NOT let anyone show up “flaunting” it to the ones that did not get it! Now, I know some of you don’t care about costume, you put on your headpiece to take photographs and leave it at home or you relieve your self of everything but your underwear along the route. Then there are those who care greatly, agonize over costume selection, dream about all the matching accessories for months, plan everything around the costume down to the footwear and wear the entire thing, headpiece, back pack and all, until the last chip on Carnival Tuesday night; I belong to the latter type of masquerader and only others of a similar vein can understand how important having your costume just as you expected is.

Apart from the costume hiccups, on the road was great! We crossed downtown with no delays this year and in an effort to not race ahead and leave the sections to the back we took out time crawling up Frederick Street. Along the way I made bathroom stops (hint to frontliners use the handicap bathrooms) and filled up on lots of water. The bands ahead of us were Ronnie and Caro whose costumes looked very nice on the road, and a small Indian band "Indians Fuh Sure" of which the hubby became “KING” of the band and crossed the Savannah stage with them before going to find Harts!!! I have to say crossing that Savannah stage is so “anticlimactic” really; no feeling of being on a showcase to spur you on at all, downtown was the better arena for me. Not to mention we crossed the Savannah pretty quickly and after that I only wanted lunch!

We made a bee line straight to the resting stop, I don’t care which band likes being on the road all day, that stop was rejuvenating to me! After an ok lunch of jerk chicken (the food needs to step up a bit for 2009), collecting two magnums of Heineken that they gave out for free, which promptly went in my friend’s friend car that was parked at the lunch stop, and a powder room refresher it was time to hit the road. We eventually got moving and with a renewed energy it was down the road to Woodbrook! I enjoyed the music, and the drinks, until I infuriated enough people with my back pack, sorry, but when you see a F.H.O. coming move out the way!!! Seriously, I stayed with the band until night fell, and when we got close to where our car was parked it was time to make my exit. I left security trying in vain to battle the stormers at the end!

Free drinks!

To all the bloggers that I met now you know the “secret” section, oh and the Heinekein section did indeed look as lame as the Pall Mall costumes last year, and to ALLLL the people who came up to me and say you enjoy the blog; THANK YOU! I was amazed that you guys made me out on the road (though the blogger band did give it away) as well as the fact that so many people actually read this blog daily! I met a mom and pop who read because of their daughter, and many people who wanted to thank me for the tips in helping them get ready for Carnival. It did my heart proud to see so many ladies in boots, both of mine were super comfortable! And I never saw so many gorgeous ladies on the road, all made up with faces well decorated. Man, I thought I was the only Carnival junkie!!! I SO cannot wait to do this again next year. I LOVE IT.

Oh, and for 2009 I know what TRIBE’s theme will be (though not the name of the presentation), I have always wanted to play in scarlet so I might be in Gail Cabral’s section, but then again, I have played in Super Mo Mo’s section from inception. As for a hint of what to expect, all I can tell you TRIBERS is prepare to take flight!!!

Sorry I do not have photos of TRIBE masqueraders on the road, hubby was the camera man and all he took was photos of me in costume and other random stuff. It would be nice to get a copy of anyone who took a photograph with me, I know I took shots with many of you who read the blog and it would be nice to have a memento as well. Email me a copy at trinicarnivaldiary@yahoo.com.

Carnivalscene.com however will have LOTS of pics, so check them out!!!

Mc Farlane Masquerader

Hubby's adopted band "Indians Fuh Sure"

TRIBERS at the rest stop

HARTS masqueraders

Are you satisfied with your costume?

After a litany of emails, calls and complaints by persons in various sections and bands, I have put up a new poll to find out how many of you are satisfied with your costume, please vote. Now, I wish I could vote on the poll myself, however I received a call yesterday from one of the ladies who is also playing frontline with me to say that TRIBE called her to say that the part of the costume we were due to pickup that day (which also includes the headpiece and ear rings) is NOT ready and MAY be ready today (Saturday!).

Well, it was a good thing that I was informed of that development as I was making plans to collect the rest of my costume, finally, and all that was halted. My call did not come until I pursued the matter on my own, and was told the contact information they had for me was wrong.. uh huh. Anyways I was assured that the rest of the costume will be ready by tomorrow for the latest and in that eventuality arrangements would be made to have the costume delivered to me. Thing is, I would much prefer to collect today, though that would mean facing the crowds at Cascadia.

The good news is that the parts of the costume I already collected I LOVE!! I am entirely satisfied and it looks EXACTLY as on the website, photographs and band launch. Everything fits as well, with the exception of the belt which has to be adjusted, my fault as I always put my measurements bigger than what it actually is. The most important item, the bra, fits like perfection never mind it does not display as much cleavage as I like, but I can easily fix that.

All is not so well with other bloggers, one was not given her back pack upon collection and had to make a trip back to Cascadia yesterday to get it (she is in Silver Mist). Another blogger received an unfinished bra for her section Mystique. Though collection is today she was told her costume was ready and collected during the week, however upon looking at the photographs clearly one bra cup is missing decorations!

Mystique Bra Prototype

Mystique Bra Collected By Masquerader

Delays have been hitting Island People as well, collection of Kingfisher Frontline did not happen until Wednesday and Brown/Polar Bear was not ready for collection yesterday, as far as I was told. I don't know what is happening, because it seems as if everyone has a complaint! I have gotten emails about headpieces, collection process, and costume dissatisfaction not to mention the Silver Mist fiasco. Even new band Evolution was put on blast for the disorganization at costume collection.

To their credit I know TRIBE is working hard at addressing complaints and many people have expressed complete satisfaction with not only their costume, but the service. My hair dresser gave them top marks for changing a bra top to a tankini (at no extra cost) and making all the costume adjustments on site. Island People as well are busy making costume adjustments, one of the bloggers got her belt changed and another bra amended.

Hopefully after all the trials and tribulations of costume woes Carnival Monday and Tuesday is a blast!!

Million Dollar Business of Mas

On November 21st I wrote about "The Myth of the Mas Millionaire" after this quote from bandleader Mike Antoine:

'I don’t know of any

bandleader who has

become a millionaire

out of it. We are all struggling like

anybody else.’

—Big Mike Antoine, Legacy bandleader/designer

At that time I scoffed at Big Mike's notion that bandleaders are "struggling", as a consumer I know quite well that the price of my costume is not tantamount to the cost of making it , nor do I believe that the sponsors do not contribute heavily to all the niceties that come as part of our "ultimate experience"; many mas men are indeed millionaires!

Today the Sunday Express explores the business of mas and the fact that some bands will gross in excess of 10 MILLION DOLLARS after Carnival 2008; the article is long, but a VERY interesting read:

Mama, dis is business!
In the 2008 edition of Trinidad Carnival, some of the popular mas bands will gross in excess of $10 million

Sunday, January 27th 2008


KLENWORTH JONES, a journalism student at COSTAATT, looks into the books of the men who make mas.

Carnival comes with a price tag that changes for the better or for the worse-depending on whether you are consumer or producer-every year.

In the 2008 edition of Trinidad Carnival, some of the popular mas bands will gross in excess of $10 million. It is a moot question how much of this is profit and whether or not the taxman knows the answer to this question. What, however, is not in dispute is that for some individuals, mas has become a multi-million-dollar enterprise. The average cost of a costume for a female masquerader is approximately $3,200 whereas for male masqueraders the figure is in the region of $2,600. When one considers that the top-end bands can have in excess of 3,500 members and, that apart from the proceeds from the sale of costumes, there are multiple streams of revenue flowing into the bands, the picture becomes clear. Profit maximisation, one sees, is the name of the mas game.

Some popular mas bands now offer complete packages for their members, which typically include meals and snacks, air-conditioned rest and relaxation buses, all the alcohol that you can drink along with your costume. On its website, one of them, Tribe, describes its focus as "providing the ultimate Carnival experience for masqueraders by producing a superior product."

A number of bands now use the medium of the Internet to advertise their costume designs and register masqueraders as well as to sell their concept of the mas experience. Here is a listing of what two of the popular bands, Tribe and Island People, offer in their all-inclusive packages.

THE TRIBE EXPERIENCE

- Fully-stocked premium bars with unlimited supplies of ice-cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

- A variety of food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dessert)

- Private security team

- Complimentary shuttle service to the band (for latecomers)

- Goody bag (Carnival essentials and souvenirs)

- Tribe 'cool-zones'

- On-site paramedic team & ambulance

- Mobile restrooms

- Roaming photographers and, of course,

- a costume!

THE ISLAND PEOPLE EXPERIENCE

- Breakfast on Tuesday, lunch, munchies, finger foods & cutters both days.

- Premium drinks and cocktails on custom-made bars strategically placed throughout the band.

- The security detail has been revamped and increased to provide a more comfortable environment for all masqueraders.

- LTB (Locate the band) Service

- Shuttle to the band-all day Monday and Tuesday.

- On Carnival Monday, the band will be departing from the Hasely Crawford Stadium at 10 a.m. and at 7 a.m. from Cipriani Boulevard on Carnival Tuesday.

- Sacha Headley and Food Express Ltd will be providing masqueraders with meals prepared so as to be tasty, lean and healthy.

- Unlimited drinks, unlimited fun, unlimited good times.

- Seven 40ft. trailer trucks powered by sound systems from the top DJ's in Trinidad and Tobago.

- Moving bathrooms with exceptional powder room service and amenities.

- Survivor packs / "goodie bag".

Other popular mas bands such as Trini Revellers, Legacy and even Rosalind Gabriel's children's band offer variations on the same theme, but nowhere does this new-dimension mas experience come cheap.

The real elements which factor into the production of a mas band will amaze you. What you see is definitely not what you get. No longer does the production of a Carnival band involve eager enthusiasts giving life to artistic expression in a make-shift shed in Woodbrook or East Port of Spain. It has developed into a very complex business enterprise. The management structure is complete with accounting; marketing and legal elements and the level of commercial sophistication required can rival or even surpass many traditional corporate entities.

It is useful to undertake here a more detailed examination of this developing phenomenon.

Management Structure

Traditionally, the mas band was controlled by a bandleader; names like George Bailey, Stephen Lee Heung, Peter Minshall and Raoul Garib come immediately to mind. Together with a group of designers, these men usually came up with a theme, conceptualised the mas, designed and constructed costumes and coordinated the activities of the mas camp until the wee hours of the morning in the pre-Carnival season. Today, the so-called "bandleader" is but a manager, a front man, a mere figurehead, the real driving force behind the band being the "band owner." The term is usually applied to a financier or group of financiers who hire a cadre of professionals to run the day-to-day affairs of the band. Let us hear what a member of the management committee of one of the big bands has to tell us.

The band, he says, is owned by a popular businessman, of Independence Square in Port of Spain. The band's management committee includes a bandleader, public relations officer and a team of designers. For this Carnival, the band will consist of 22 sections, down from 35 in 2007. The band itself will produce one section in 2008, the other 21 being franchised out to various section leaders who will each pay the owner a sum in the region of $70- $80,000 for the privilege. According to our source, in the final cost to masqueraders are included the cost of inputs such as security, music (live bands and deejays), raw materials for costumes and cost of design and labour, all of which are very high. Inevitably, the cost of "a costume" is adjusted to reflect these expenses.

Traditional-style band management is also very much alive but is seen mainly among the medium and small bands. Very much in the mould of his mentor Minshall, Brian McFarlane continues to be very heavily involved in the creation, design and management of the current holders of the Large Band of the Year title although a committee is charged with the logistics that precede the band's appearance on Carnival Monday. Among the successful traditionally organised bands, Trevor Wallace and Associates and The Kallicharrans from San Fernando are two of the names that stand out.

The reasons why traditional bandleaders hold on to the traditional Carnival arrangements are as varied as the people themselves. Those close to McFarlane say that the love of drama and the opportunity to tell a story through the medium of mas are what, in the main, drive him. This is not to say that there are no commercial considerations, but the mas product on Carnival days reflects the substance that the bandleader inputs.

Sources of income

Apart from the money generated by costume sales, there are multiple sources of income available to bands. A customer service representative for Island People Mas confirms that the band itself does not produce mas but that "independent contractors" pay a fee for the right to produce a section using the Island People brand. Usually, the general design is done by the band and the cost of inputs is borne by the franchisee but these arrangements are always negotiable. Written contracts spell out precisely the responsibilities of each party and detail a schedule for payments.

For Carnival 2008, the most expensive packages are from the band Tribe. Interestingly, the costumes were completely sold out in record time. The prices ranged from a low of $2,250 for a basic male costume to a high of $4,499 for a basic female costume. Add-on pieces such as wings or boys' shorts for women could increase the price by as much as $499 depending on the section.

For this Carnival , Island People Mas has a limit of 12 sections, each with a maximum of 300 members who will pay on average $3,200 for the experience. A quick calculation shows that in this year alone the organization will gross in excess of $10 million.

But masqueraders are not the only contributors to band income. The band owners also generate income from other sources. Both sources to whom the COSTAATT Star spoke concede that corporate sponsors contribute heavily to the major bands, in cash or kind. One of them explains that the management team of the band goes after companies to provide drinks, meals, music or cash in exchange for the display of their product or their name or both at band events or for exclusive association with the mas band.

On its website Island People Mas has listed its major sponsors in three categories, gold, silver and bronze. The lone Gold Sponsor is bmobile. Moneygram International Money Transfer stands alone as a Silver Sponsor while the Bronze Sponsors include Carib Brewery, makers of Stag beer; Angostura 1919 Premium Rum; Fernandes Black and Blue Waters. The list of major sponsors also includes some major corporate heavyweights, Telecommunications giants Cable and Wireless and Digicel, beverage distributors such as A.S.Bryden, Blue Waters, Coca Cola Ltdand S.M.Jaleel and Company Ltd.

Also featuring on the list are cloth stores Jimmy Aboud and Queensway. All these companies pay large sums to the band owner for the opportunity to be associated with the brand, not simply on the two Carnival days but also at all of their associated events.

Associated events represent a major source of income for the bands and more precisely, their owners. Over the years, the

associated events have become more sophisticated and their numbers have also increased. The packages offered and the way in which they are marketed reflect to a large extent the sophistication of the organisers.

The heavy input from sponsors and the huge patronage of these concept events have made them significant money spinners.The events can commence as early as July or August depending on the date of the next year's Carnival.

Private members only band launching, a public band launching and all-inclusive Carnival fetes are staged, with the brand featuring prominently. On its website Tribe Mas boasts that its 2007 ultra all-inclusive Carnival fete, Bliss, was the first large public event to use electronic tickets.

This new technology eliminates the scalpers, "stormers" and the producers of counterfeit tickets, ensuring that all or almost all of the profits are enjoyed by the producers of the event. The cost per ticket ranges between $300 and $700 and large contributions from major sponsors mean owners rake in sums in ranges that may surprise the taxman.

The multiple sources, of income that flow into the hands of popular mas bands have not entirely escaped the eye of the taxman. All the bands that are registered as business entities are required to pay corporate taxes. For those which gross in excess of $200,000 yearly, VAT registration is mandatory.

Bandleaders also pay full import duties and taxes on raw materials and imported pre-assembled costumes. In addition a public notice on the website of the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) strongly advises all bandleaders, music arrangers, disc jockeys, fetepromoters, calypso tent owners, landlords and caterers who intend to make in excess of $200,000 for the Carnival season to register with the Value Added Tax Division.

The Taxpayer Relations Department of the IRD outlines the procedure for accessing tax breaks for investments in cultural activities. The investor must be registered with and certified by the Culture Division of the Ministry of Community Development Culture And Gender Affairs. Approval of the investment is given and this approval of particular investments accompanies the tax return of the investor. The tax rebate is 150 per cent of the investment up to a maximum of $1 million.

The items that qualify for this tax relief are determined by the Culture Division. A call to this government agency revealed that cassettes, DVDs and music CDs from local artistes receive a concession on import taxes and duties. The tax rebates on investments in cultural activities are limited to investments in the performing arts. Officials at the IRD confirm that these claims are being made but were unable to quantify the number of people who access this facility on an annual basis.

The export of Trinidad Carnival is by no means a new phenomenon. Carnival a la T&T has long since been exported to several of the large metropolitan cities of the Diaspora and Trinidad-style Carnivals are now held in Kingston, Jamaica on the Easter weekend; in Bridgetown, Barbados; in Notting Hill, New York, Miami and Toronto. There the Trini experience is reproduced on some usually reduced scale and, not surprisingly, all the big names, Tribemas, Trini Revellers and Legacy, keep reappearing. One suspects that once expansion of the local Carnival peaks -current economic buoyancy suggests later rather than sooner-the large bands that have mastered the business of carnival will turn their full attention to the expansion of the export market for the mas.

In the meantime, however, mas making in Trinidad remains a very profitable enterprise for the new breed of Carnival entrepreneur. Amid the buoyancy of the current economic conjuncture, people with money are making more of it in ways and on a scale that the average man on the street would have never considered possible. I guess one could say, using an expression that was once very popular with the man in the street that the money men are making a small mas with the mas.

SOURCE and CREDIT: www.trinidadexpress.com

Bandleaders to protest tomorrow

Wed The Trinidad Guardian has this report on the brewing controversy over prize monies awarded to Brian Mc Farlane; the following band leaders have now come together to fight the seeming injustice of awarding only Mc Farlane an increase in prize money:

Mike “Big Mike” Antoine of Legacy; Dean Akin of TRIBE; Earl Patterson of Masquerade; Ian McKenzie of Genesis; Paul Sing of DreamTeam; Roland St George of D Krewe; Stephen Derek of D’ Midas; NCBA secretary Renwrick Brown of Stampede; and Trevor Wallace of Trevor Wallace and Associate

The bandleaders have dubbed their united front "The Association of Bandleaders" and if this matter is not resolved have threatened to boycott all "NCC competition venues, especially Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain and ultimately embarrass the State." So that means the possibility exists that Island People Mas, Harts, Pulse 8, Ronnie and Caro,Evolution and Mc Farlane could parade at these NCC venues regardless; guaranteed wins for the large bands Harts, Island People and Mc Farlane with medium bands Evolution, Pulse 8 and Legacy also having the 1st, 2nd and 3rd spots!

While I think it is awesome that the bandleaders have come together against the NCBA and NCC, it would be more effective if ALL bands gave their support to this Association but I guess the tribal wars would never lead to unity for some bandleaders, which is really a pity.

Carnival 2008 launches and leaves questions unanswered

All the Minister of Culture, Marlene Mc Donald could say during the launch of Carnival 2008 yesterday was that mas on the move was a success for 2007, therefore it will continue for 2008. There was even an official Carnival song launched "the road so nice we doing it twice" which totally PISSED me off! There they go again with the MYOPIC view that we masqueraders so enjoyed mas on the move that a stage was not necessary; I will however save what I have to say for the subsequent email which I will be sending out along with the petition.

When pressed for answers as to why the initial construction of a stage and spectator stands was demolished and moved to the Eastern end of the Savannah none of the representatives of State or N.C.C. could give an answer; the Trinidad Express gives full details on this soap opera saga of Carnival 2008:

C2K8 launch raises questions
by Wayne Bowman wbowman@trinidadexpress.com

Thursday, December 20th 2007



National Carnival Commission chairman Keston Nancoo made a dash for the exit in an attempt to evade questions from the media, as did Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Minister, Marlene McDonald, following yesterday's launch of Carnival 2008 at the Hilton Trinidad in St Ann's.

The question-and-answer segment, which followed a long-winded NCC public relations exercise masked as a media conference, was over after only two questions from reporters.

And still, only one question received a credible answer from Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Gilbert Reyes, who responded on what assurances he could give that there would be no police brutality upon members of the public during Carnival, as well as what measures would be put in place to ensure that plainclothes officers properly identify themselves before taking action.

Reyes said his officers would be out in full force from February 1 to ensure citizens' safety for the Carnival period.

Nancoo failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions on the challenges of switching from the original plans for C2K8 to the new one that was presented, as well as why the Panorama final was being held at Skinner Park, San Fernando, although the majority of panmen, including some from the South/ Central region, are in opposition to returning to that venue on Carnival Saturday.

Nancoo responded by saying that people need to exercise maturity in such situations, adding that it was Pan Trinbago that chose to return to Skinner Park and that the NCC was only facilitating the organisation's request. Asked how come neither Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold nor any other representatives of the pan body were present for the launch, Nancoo called for the launch to be ended and headed straight for the exit, alongside McDonald.

Arnold was, in fact, on the ferry heading for Tobago at the time of the launch, and no other member of the Pan Trinbago executive had been scheduled to attend. Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation president Michael "Protector" Leggerton was also notably absent.

Although the National Carnival Development Foundation has the majority of large bands in its membership, it was also represented at the launch, during which time the route for the Parade of the bands was revealed.

In her address, McDonald reminded the nation that in spite of their close proximity this time around, Christmas comes before Carnival and she admonished that the two festivals must be kept apart and people, "remain loyal to the traditional Christmas practices that can't be dislodged".

She called on the nation to enjoy the parang and religious celebrations of Christmas before getting started with Carnival.

In the same turn, McDonald said that because of the closeness of the two seasons, as well as the fact that everyone's focus a few weeks ago was the general election, time is of the essence and the Culture Ministry must play catch-up to have everything ready in time for C2K8.

"We will fearlessly confront the challenges and make use of the opportunities created in Carnival 2007," McDonald said, adding that the Ministry and NCC will build and improve on the present foundation as the nation moves towards realising Vision 2020.

SOURCE: Trinidad Express

Who Can She Be?

Popular local radio station Red 96.7FM was all abuzz this afternoon with allegations of a “sticky finger female mas camp employee” who was caught stealing material from a Carnival Band where she was employed and promptly fired!!! Said female is allegedly the significant other of a popular soca artiste AND it is rumored after being dismissed she is now working with another band!

Now WHY did she steal material? Did she have hopes of making costumes on the side or , maybe she was really selling secrets to the rival band that took her in. To add fuel to the fire, it is said that Ms. Glue Gun fingers is going around “bad talking” the mas camp from which she was fired, when she really needs to "cool it". Once again, don’t shoot the messenger; I am just giving it to you all as I got it!

EDITED TO ADD:
Well, well, well.. after all the speculation that the band in question is VERY POPULAR, I have to say upon getting new information that it is quite the opposite!! No, it is none of the bands that I thought it was before HOWEVER what this young lady had to gain in stealing from the band I now KNOW it is, baffles me!!! Maybe it's a case of the "fox and the grapes" ... and that is all I have to say about this bacchanal!

Customised Costumes

Here is an idea for you ladies who are not a size 4 and anxious over loosing enough weight to fit into that extra skimpy costume. Though the advice to someone looking to shed a few pounds for Carnival is to exercise and diet, not every one's body responds as fast as they would like, sometimes a slower metabolism or even medical conditions prevent the most faithful gym rat from reaching an elusive goal of being " skinny". I know many ladies who workout, make healthy eating choices and are blessed with stamina and endurance yet they do not resemble the thin, long and lean look associated with someone who is "fit".

Though mas bands provide costume options such as tanikis and whole suits, a more flattering choice for a plus sized masquerader is the corset as pictured below, worn by Rachel Price in Island Events:

Getting a customised corset, however, may not be as easy as ordering a tankini or whole piece. Firstly, the onus on getting a corset is all on you as they are somewhat expensive, though a good one fits superb. If you are interested in having a corset of your own customised to match your costume there are two options; one is to contact the band that you are playing with and ask if your corset can be decorated in lieu of the standard bikini top. Many bands are actually quite flexible and are willing to compromise on this respect.

The other would be to customise your corset yourself. In this regard you can either purchase a corset that matches your costume, reuse the decorations from the regular top you ordered and even add extra beads and sequins. If you are not creatively inclined a seamstress can also do this for you. In fact, a very good seamstress can make a corset to fit as well.

I have seen the corset trend become more popular over the years, Destra Garcia wore one in 2006 when she played in Island People's PRIDE, Trini Revellers for 2007 had several sections with corsets and I even saw a few ladies in the Majorette section of TRIBE this year sporting decorated corsets.

So, just another idea on how to look fabulous for Carnival regardless of what size you are!

Surviving your friends for Carnival

I don’t know what it is about Carnival that can wreck friendships, from choosing a costume to deciding on when to leave a fete friendships have been known to go down the drain during this time of the year. After being the “go to” girl for years, I finally relinquished that title after this year’s Carnival since it almost ruined a friendship.

I would be the one to pick a section, register, make all the communication with the mas camp after registering, constantly inform friends of what needs to be done, organize footwear and costume pick up. And after doing ALL that during Carnival 2007 for my friend AND her cousin, she ended up not picking up her costume because 1. I did not buy her mas tights so she felt unprepared and 2.she called me on Carnival Saturday during my eyelash appointment to ask me to collect both costumes (she and her cousin’s) using MY money and when I put my foot down and said it was not possible the end result was her NOT collecting the costumes. Mind you they both had all week to collect their costumes, but chose to do other things like go feteting at Salybia, instead of going to Cascadia and waited until the last possible moment to call me because they knew I had to collect mine on Carnival Saturday.

This year I took a different approach, which is every man for him/herself; it might be a totally selfish move on my part but I am only putting the effort into making sure one person is prepared for Carnival; ME! When it came time to select a section, I went ahead and made my choice, even if it meant being in a section alone, I chose the costume I wanted without consulting anyone. Surprisingly my friend also chose the same section, though I told her she was quite free to play in another. Her response was that she could not play in a different section “by herself”. Now, if you have played in any band for Carnival you would know that there is nothing forcing you to stay in your section so a friend in a different section can jump up alongside you all day. The one concession I made was for registration, where I did take the responsibility to sign us both up, however that was only because my friend had to work on that Saturday and would have lost out on getting in her section. I also have to add that she lost her TLC number, after I collected her TLC card mind you, and I ended up emailing and calling TRIBE to retrieve it for her.

It must have been a sign that TRIBE sold out so quickly because a few weeks after the fact I was informed that the cousin, the same cousin who threw a tantrum when she found out tankinis were available in her section and “I” registered her in a whole piece (by her instructions), the same one who insisted she was not playing mas if “I” did not get her a taninki, the same one who went to a fete instead of picking up her costume after TRIBE staff put it aside for them to collect on Carnival Sunday, that SAME cousin now wanted to play mas with a friend and wanted to find out if TRIBE still had sections open. I was brutally honest with my friend at that point and said listen, after this year’s fiasco you are on your own with this one, here is TRIBE’s number. At that point I was no longer the person to call for anything, which I think helped, us to remain friends, because I could not handle another drama for Carnival 2008 without using some choice words to express my feelings to all involved.

The selfish part also extends to choosing footwear and all other appointments that play a part in getting me divafied for Carnival. My friend sounded a bit pissed that I got my boots this year and did not tell her I was ordering them, but when I begged Natalie to take her in as a late appointment last December and she never showed up to get her boots made, well the responsibility of getting footwear is now hers. Friends will try to place the guilt on you once you have decided to put numero uno, yourself, first so be prepared. My friend made me feel as if I was solely responsible for getting her prepared for Carnival.; I had to get her stockings (as in buy them for her), organize her footwear as well as Monday wear for us both. Now, it is nothing for me to give advice on any of these matters, I told her where to go to get her stockings for example, since in my mind she had to match them to her complexion, but I draw the line on babysitting an adult who is quite capable of doing things on their own.

Though I will have to endure my friend’s annoyance with not having me do everything for her, I think if we had continued that type of relationship in regards to Carnival I would have lost it by now. My goal is to have her gain some confidence in being able to do the simple things that she would normally expect me to do, like calling the mas camp when she has a problem or knowing that she needs to find appropriate footwear. I am hoping that she makes provisions to pick up her costume for 2008, as I will not be doing so either; I could not believe that this year it was so easy to NOT collect your own costume and miss out on mas altogether because someone could not do the job for you. If it were me I would get my ass to where ever it needed to be and ensure I had my costume in hand, and not place that responsibility on anyone else.

When I say I am being totally selfish for 2008, that means the only person I am taking care of is me, anyone else can expect to not depend on me to bail them out of any Carnival quagmire! Tough love, I know, but it is the only way I can preserve my sanity when dealing with friends when it comes to Carnival!

No Savannah Stage for Masqueraders

Coming from the office of the NCC I was just informed that a stage and spectator stands will be constructed at the Savannah where all pre Carnival events such as Panorama and Dimanche Gras will be held. However when I asked why masqueraders will not be crossing the stage if it will be in existence I was told that the BANDLEADERS wanted mas to return to the streets for 2008 so "that is what we will get"!!

Subsequent to that conversation I then spoke to someone at the National Carnival Bands Association N.C.B.A. and was informed that mas will be on the streets "as always" and it was even intimated that the suggested facilities currently under construction may not be ready in time. Also, when pressed as to why the N.C.B.A. took a decision to not use the stage that will be constructed I was eventually given the answer that the location of this new stage is inaccessible as it is located off the parade route ina "remote" area of the Savannah. My question to this was if the location was more accessible would the N.C.B.A. consider using the stage? I was told that discussion never came up in Carnival talks. The only decisions made for use of these new facilities were for the King and Queen of Carnival competitions, Dimanche Gras and Panorama.The Savannah judging point for Mas on the Streets 2008 has moved to the area in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Finally, I also spoke to someone at the Ministry of Culture who said as of now the plan for 2008 is for mas to be on the streets, however all possibilities will be taken into consideration. I wonder how in touch the N.C.B.A. is with the wants of masqueraders who clearly, judging from the response of the news that we will have a stage for 2008, are estatic over the idea of parading on a stage. Who are the bandleaders involved in making those decisions is what I want to know! And, as a slap in the face to all of us parading AROUND the Savannah a stage will lie in waste on Carnival Monday and Tuesday! As far as I can tell it is being constructed in the SAME area as where the "old" stage used to be, yet the N.C.B.A. is saying that will be inaccessible to masqueraders.. that makes NO sense because how will the pan men get their pans in/out of the Savannah for panorama? If they can get unto that stage then surely masqueraders can. I truly believe that the powers that be think that Carnival is "we" thing and that "we", the masqueraders will accept anything they give us because of the love of the mas!

I implore all of you to email the N.C.B.A., let all your friends and family who are playing mas as well send out a petition to protest this turn of events, let your voice as a masquerader be heard; if they are building a stage for Carnival 2008 we want to cross it!

N.C.B.A.
email: info@ncbatt.com
telephone 1-868-628-8650

N.C.C.
Keston Nancoo or Darren Marcel
627-1350
emails can be sent via the website.

Premature Reaction?

What?????????????????????? The information I wrote about concerning mas returning to the Savannah was broad casted on the TV6 News Report last night. In that report, which showed the Minister of Culture and NCC officials touring works at the Savannah, spectators stands were shown and it was clearly stated that ALL Carnival events will be held there, the only question was whether Panorama finals will remain in San Fernando. There was no mention that mas was to stay on the streets, or else I would have said so,yet here is an article in today's Express which says exctly that!

Carnival stays on the road for '08
Kristy Ramnarine kramnarine@trinidadexpress.com

Monday, December 3rd 2007


The Parade of the Bands will remain on the road for Carnival 2008, National Carnival Commission (NCC) Chairman Keston Nancoo made clear yesterday.

He was speaking to reporters after taking newly appointed Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Marlene McDonald, Minister of State in the Ministry Donna Cox and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry Junia Regrello on a tour of the southeastern end of the Queen's Park Savannah which will be used for the Carnival.

"For 2008 it will again be 'Mas on the Road,' a format that came in for high praise from bandleader after testing it at this year's celebrations," Nancoo said.

He added that all major pre-Carnival shows normally staged in Port of Spain (including the King and Queen of Carnival competition) will, however, be presented at the facility currently being constructed on the south-eastern end of the Savannah.

"A decision will have to be made later on this week as it relates to the Panorama finals," he said.

Panmen have been complaining about the high cost of going to Skinner Park, San Fernando for the competition, which was staged there last year.

This morning took me from elation from the news of having a stage to confusion and vexation! If this is indeed true I am about to petiton Marlene Mc Donald, the new Minister of Culture, at the absurdity of building a stage ONLY for Dimanche Gras while mas will remain on the streets? That makes absolutely no sense. Stay tuned for more news as I get to the bottom of this!

Bored?

Ok, so with Carnival now 9 weeks away isn't it beginning to seem as if we are now in a lull as far as excitement and preparations go? Having to make plans much earlier this year (I know some of you bought your ticket since April for example) in anticipation of an early 2008 Carnival coupled with the fact that almost all bands have already launched has led to what I have termed a state of boredom.

I am still awaiting word on if new band Taboo is really making a debut for 2008 and for Masquerade's website to launch, just to see some new costumes. Other than that TRIBE has sold out, Harts is close behind as only a few sections left and all other bands are probably hoping to have a few sections sold out come Carnival. There is nothing else to look forward to for the rest of the year.

I have everything ticked off on my Carnival list as well:
Costume - Check
Footwear - Check
Make up appointment - Check
Eyelash appointment - Check
Hairdresser appointment - Check

Geez, the only thing I have to really do is start decorating my boots, which I cannot do too early as I am using pieces of my costume to complete the job. Oh, and I have to find a top for Monday wear as I already ordered boy shorts along with my costume. What else is there left to do?

There was so much excitement before band launching season with rumours of costume designs and possible section names, then the launches came fast and furious, all too soon petering off until now.. nothing. I think what has killed the anticipation for me as well is TRIBE selling out so early; last year I was eagerly keeping track of which sections were going off the market for all the bands, and up until Carnival week not all sections were sold out in any band!

It seems as well that there are two types of masqueraders, on one hand we have the ones who lock down their costume from the day the band opens for registration. These are the ones that create a hype and frenzy. Then we have the procrastinators, the ones who cannot make up their minds on a band or a section and take this indecisiveness with them into the New Year finally purchasing a costume on Carnival Saturday! These masqueraders kill the hype really.

So as I try to shake off this period of listlessness I am hoping something comes along to create some controversy; last year we were all so concerned about a venue for mas with the Savannah gone as well as with the high price of fetes and costumes. This year we are just so complacent, no talk of fetes being outrageously priced, bandleaders digging out or eyes with costume costs or that we should lobby for a stage. In fact there is little talk of Carnival 2008 at all! The Facebook groups have even gone silent and internet forums go for days without a new posting! The only website getting some action is Carnival Junction as desperate persons are still trying to get into TRIBE.

The only consolation that I can take comfort in is that very soon the fetes will start, bringing the live performers on stage to inject some exhilaration into the season. We also have all the j’ouvert bands to look forward to and hopefully the launch of Taboo who has promised so much and yet has delivered so little. And to all of you people dejected over TRIBE selling out completely, not thrilled with Island People’s avant garde costumes, glum over Mc Farlane’s depressing theme shake out of it and look at the other bands that are still open for registration! It surprises me that in a year when there are so many new bands, so little is publicized about them; start talking people, spread the word and breathe some life back into Carnival 2008!

The Myth of the Mas Millionaire

'I don’t know of any

bandleader who has

become a millionaire

out of it. We are all struggling like

anybody else.’

—Big Mike Antoine, Legacy bandleader/designer

I was all prepared to talk about J'ouvert this morning, but when I checked the Guardian's Wednesday feature on a local Mas Band, which is Legacy this week; I had to laugh when I read that quote from Big Mike! For the article in its entirety visit this link.

How many of us really believe that there is not ONE band leader out there who is a millionaire? Has Big Mike spoken to EVERY band leader and asked to look at their accounts? Does he even have an inclining of the cost of costumes among the popular “it” bands and the number of masqueraders who shell out thousands of dollars for a costume that is marked up by over 300% of the cost of construction? And, finally has he forgotten about the sponsors who support certain bands with assistance by the way of cash and product? I for one believe that certain bandleaders make in excess of a millions dollars after Carnival, even if they do not want to admit it for fear of scrutiny by the tax board, not to mention the backlash that comes when some masqueraders resent others success at the expense of exorbitant costume costs and Carnival capitalization.

With the proliferation of new bands making a debut for 2008, Carnival must be a lucrative business if so many players want a piece of the pie! Now, I am not saying ALL bands makes a 7 figure profit, BUT with Carnival being a seasonal occupation and most of the established bandleaders making it a full time job how does one live for the rest of the year, especially the ones who have quit their “day job?” I would expect that any yield after the Carnival season contributes to up keeping the lifestyle not to mention paying rudimentary staff for the entire year in some instances. No one goes into any type of business without an expectation of exponential profit as the business must grow and evolve in order to survive, as well as keep one step ahead of the competition.

Also, I am quite surprised that Big Mike has alluded to “struggling” when he manufacturers costumes for several international Carnivals including Crop Over and Labour Day thus Carnival is a year long industry for his company. Ok, so maybe HE is not a millionaire (one cannot argue with the man on that point) but he has to be doing this for more than the love of the mas after alllllll these years! To me, what would make sense is if a band leader openly admits that they do make a profit and that is all part of the businees. I can understand that you want to make the most money when the band is at it’s peak, you know, strike when the iron is hot, because with the exception of Harts having 40 years in this business many bands do not enjoy long term success. Therefore all the money the band leaders make NOW has to provide some sort of income/annuity in the future when the band becomes defunct. Where is Raoul Garib today? In 1983 he was a band leader who was at the top of the game with costumes ranging between $225.00 to $300.00 TT which was “expensive” in that time and for which he was severely criticized. The bands of yesteryear such as Mavericks, Stephen Lee Heung, Barbarossa and even Poison have all been replaced by a fresh crop of bands who will eventually also be usurped in the future by other bands; Carnival is dynamic, always changing with new players coming into the mix and that in itself is what keeps the mas alive.

If Carnival did not make millionaires out of men, why do some bands stick with it year after year when all indications show that it IS indeed a struggle? Would it not be easier to pack up shop and invest your time and money in some other venture? The love of the mas can only take bandleaders so far, when they have to put food on the table and pay bills. Eventually, as a bandleader not making money, it should be so easy to throw in the towel, unless you KNOW that there is a potential to make a considerable sum after all the sacrifice. Maybe I am being too myopic on the reasons why some bandleaders do continue the struggle in the face of many financial obstacles, but I am thinking that the ones who do it as a labour of love or for the accolades are in a minority!

Mas Camp Tour ....

One activity that should be on everyone’s list when they arrive in Trinidad for Carnival is to visit all the mas camps located within the three blocks between Rosalino and Gallus Streets Woodbrook. The mas camps are so close to each other that the trip can be facilitated easily by walking from one location to the next. Yesterday I undertook the task of visiting as many as these mas camps as possible during the time I had and before they closed.

First stop was TRIBE’s mas camp on Rosalino Street where I was greeted by a SOLD OUT sign on the door. Costumes are up for viewing, so I took the opportunity to inspect my costume some more trying to get ideas for the design of the boots I am customizing myself. It was very quiet at TRIBE, which is to be expected since no more costumes are on sale, and we were informed that there is still some activity with persons stopping by to put their name down on an ever increasing waiting list! I am sure I spied costumes in some stage of production stockpiled at the mas camp and they looked as if it might be pieces of Almathea.

Around the corner from TRIBE was Evolution’s mas camp where the atmosphere was remarkably different, truth be told of all the mas camps I visited this was the one with the most activity. On arrival there were several potential masqueraders being sized for the costume of their choice and before I left after a few minutes another male masquerader came to register. Speaking of the males, the male costumes are indeed on display at the mas camp and if asked to recollect what they looked liked I honestly will have to say your basic board short, with the usual waist/chest pieces and something on your head. Hence the reason I took several photos:

EVOLUTION:

On hand at Evolution’s camp was band leader Curtis Eustace, who was quite pleasant and forthcoming with information on the sections. Only one frontline costume is sold out, African Gold, and Curtis did state that the frontline for Tantalize in Teal is also close to being sold out; that one is priced at $4000.00. I have to say that on my second viewing of the costumes, and compared to others that I saw, Evolution’s product is poised very competitively. I do like the frontline for Tantalize in Teal; in fact the backline is lovely as well. I think the problem with getting the full effect with some of the costumes is being displayed on black mannequins, so I was pleased to see the frontlines make more of an impact.

After Evolution it was a hop, skip and jump (more like a short drive) to Gallus street where both Pulse 8 and Trini Revellers are located. Pulse 8 was first, and the mas camp still looks nicely laid out as last year but there were no potential masqueraders on hand. Seeing the costumes on closer inspection I have to say that I do like Berber Tribe though it is all wooden beads so no sparkle and shine and I also like Gypsy Caravan which is the only section that is all but sold out, with only a few sizes remaining in the female regular costume option.

PULSE 8:

Next stop was Trini Revellers which is further up the street, where the mas camp is housed in, well what appears to be the downstairs of a home. Anyway, I have to say that only a few costumes impressed me at Trini Revellers, and that in photos on the website the costumes look much better than on the mannequins. My gut instinct was that the costumes looked a bit miserly when it came to the beads and material used, but then compared to the prices I guess one has to cut costs somewhere, as the majority of costumes were the most economically priced of all the mas camps. In addition there were several discounts and specials advertised if registering before December 1st, so if you are thinking of playing with Trini Revellers, call the mas camp for more details.

TRINI REVELLERS:

Mas camp hopping is quite a nice way to compare the various styles of each bands reflected in the location, atmosphere and costumes by my impressions. One cannot help but get a laid back vibe from Trini Revellers for instance or a sense of commotion at Evolution or even the impression that TRIBE is getting down to the business of production now that the band is sold out. One mas camp that I did not get a chance to visit yesterday was Brian Mc Farlane who is also on Rosalino Street (North) and should be added to your list if you plan on adding a Woodbrook mas camp tour to your itinerary.

So What Ah Miss?

I have been out of the Carnival loop for the past 9 days and now that I am back in form I am trying to catch up on all the bands at the moment.

Island People is having a private showing of costumes in New York for their masqueraders, hopefully this will give some impetus to persons still undecided to register as I don’t think any more sections are sold out. Talking about sold out sections while Harts has slowed down a bit (most of the cheap sections are gone) Pulse 8 has sold out the male of Gypsy Caravan and the whole suit option which is very nice. Oracle has promised registration this week which is great; Evolution has now updated their website with proper online registration and I also missed out on a little controversy in one of the Island People groups on Facebook.

Apparently one of the officers of the group sent out an appeal to masqueraders to hit the gym:

“personally am fed up of witnessing tires wrapped around people's stomachs first ting on Tuesday morning, and cellulite talking to me when some heavy duty woman winin in front of me.”(sic).

After getting hate mail for that statement there was a retraction and my name got called in there somewhere!! Don't ask me how, since I am not even playing in the band (LOL), anyway since the months are getting closer really and truly it is time to step up the exercise regimen!

Back to the Carnival countdown, controversies and comess!

Baby on Board

The one concern that many women have when registering for a costume months in advance of Carnival is not whether or not they will loose the pounds (though that is another concern some may have) but what happens if you get pregnant! With bands starting registration as much as five months in advance of Carnival anything can happen, even with the best precautions and contraceptives. Fact is this is a blessing of our sex and no one can predict to an exact science when conception will occur. Some of us will take lots of caution to avoid the “accidental” impregnation but what happens if despite all your efforts you find out you are pregnant after registering for the costume you fawned over for days before deciding THAT was the one that will adorn your body come Carnival?

This was the situation for a friend of mine in October of 2005, after registering in TRIBE she found out she was a few weeks pregnant. To be honest with you I have to say though she looked forward to having the baby she was a bit disappointed that her hopes of playing mas were slim to none. Friends we have in common thought she was crazy for even having that thought, but no one can really fault all the emotions that come with being pregnant and I for one did not judge her for feeling that way.

So, the plan for her was to wait until the very last minute to decide what she was going to do come Carnival Tuesday/. By that time she would have been 3 months pregnant and the possibility of still playing mas was very real to her. The practicality of such a move, however, became a concern after our first all-inclusive fete, Amnesia, where she did not have the energy to survive the fete and had to retreat to a seat for the night. That cemented in her mind that she simply did not have the endurance for playing mas in a pregnant state and she sold her costume. Suffice it to say she was annoyed when sitting at home on Carnival Tuesday she saw Wendy Fitzwilliam in all her resplendent pregnant glory playing mas in Harts! Usually an individual Wendy that year was a regular masquerader in her yellow whole suit playing mas not only in Harts but also Peter Minshall’s Sacred Heart.

Of course the decision to go ahead and play mas in spite of your pregnancy depends on many, many factors and I am not a doctor so if you find yourself in that position at the moment and really have that desire you can consult with your physician and see what the verdict is. Many women go to the gym and do walks while pregnant so we know exercise is not ruled out for some, and what is Carnival but one long marathon anyway. Now I am not advocating that you push for playing mas, nothing is wrong with sitting out one year as Carnival will always be there. Personally I would be very remiss to playing mas if I found out I was pregnant for fear of dehydration, people’s rowdiness and the inability to make that Carnival hike. Surely I would be taking full advantage of TRIBE’s resting bus if that were the case! I might add that there was one pregnant lady in my section this year who got her costume modified with a sheer piece of fabric covering her somewhat pronounced belly and she looked quite beautiful!

I know several ladies who got pregnant unexpectedly this year, one ruled out the possibility of playing mas from early on since she found she was pregnant just before band launching began in fervor, the other one recently found out and decided against playing mas and finally, we have Ms. Carnival superstar who went ahead and registered for a costume WHILE pregnant! And, she insists that she is going to be playing mas to her fullest as well. To each of these ladies the decision was a very personal one and kudos to them for dealing with their pregnancy in the way that suits them best.

If you are a masquerader who got pregnant after singing up with a band, take comfort that you are not alone, this happens to many women each year, do not let anyone make you feel guilty for being sad at missing Carnival and if you are playing mas while pregnant do all that is necessary to be safe on the road. The best way to get your costume sold at this point, if you need to, would be advertising on carnivaljunction.com and if you are with TRIBE check with the mas camp as well since there is a waiting list of persons wanting costumes. To all the expectant mommies congrats!! This must be an exciting time and I am sure you are all looking forward to the amazing months ahead.

Though some of you will be missing out on Carnival next year, lucky you have a chance to review all the bands for 2008, including the many new ones and will be in the position to pick among them for 2009! And since you are missing out on a fab costume for 2008 make sure for 2009 that you are a frontline H.O. in all her splendor! For my lovely super mommies playing mas with the baby on board, I salute your tenacity and see you on the road!

PHOTO SOURCE: www.hartscarnival.com