Carnival News Updates

More fetes are being advertised with prices as we draw closer to the new year;  the very popular Outta de Blue XI is $600.00 and Fete With the Saints is $500.00. There are also rumours that *Beach House is $800.00, One Fete is $600.00 and D Vale Breakfast Party is $500.00.. all prices in TT:

EDITED TO ADD:
*Official word from Beach House in response to the rumours is that the ticket price has not been set as yet. Great, lets hope the price is LESS than the rumour not more!

Machel Montano is keeping good on his word that he is taking a backseat for Carnival 2010 as the long standing  AC 8  concert, which was to take place on February 6th  has been canceled . Another fete that will not be on the fete calender for 2010 is  Georgian Jubilation Fete, hosted by St George's college as this too has been canceled.

Today is another series of "Road Works" by Island People and somehow I think this strategy is working in the band's favor as two more sections have Sold Out Frontlines:

Chandsitare

Pryiadarashini

Blac to Blue

click on flyer to enlarge

Beyonce To Perform In Trinidad After Carnival

Beyonce's "I Am" tour will be going to South America in Feburary 2010 and Trinidad and Tobago is the final stop on the itnerary with a concert scheduled for Trinidad at the Oval on Feburary 18th.

You may want to schedule this on your post Carnival Calender as a "cool down" event, seeing as the concert takes place the day after Ash Wednesday; perfect timing right?

So, how many of you will be canceling costumes or fete tickets to go VVIP at the Concert which is sponsored by Bmobile?

The "I AM..." World Tour in South America and The Caribbean

Thu  2/4    Florianopolis, Brazil       Parque Planeta

    Sat  2/6    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil      Maracana Stadium

    Sun  2/7    Sao Paulo, Brazil           Pacaembu Stadium

    Wed 2/10    Salvador, Brazil            Parque de Exposicoes

    Fri 2/12    Buenos Aires, Argentina     Hipodromo de San Isidro

    Sun 2/14    Santiago, Chile             Arena Movistar

    Tue 2/16    Lima, Peru                  Explanada del Estadio Monumental

    Thu 2/18    Port of Spain, Trinidad     Queen's Park Oval

SOURCE:

PR News Wire

Pollstar

TRIBE ICE 2010 Tickets on Sale

Deadline for TLC ($150) tickets - Mon 28th Dec at 5pm

(Subject to availability)

Tickets available at TRIBE Mas Camp &

through Committee Members

**TRIBE Mas Camp will be closed on Dec 24th & 25th**

Say What?

So News reaching the sauce is that for Carnival 2011 a certain band will NOT be allowing pre registration, not even by private section leaders; the only way you can get a "hook up" to be in the band is through the band leader ONLY! This shift in a long standing policy was because of some bacchanal that took place, it is rumored, one can only guess what drama took place as the word is mum on that situation. But, I can tell you people are STILL getting the hook up even the though the band has been sold out since August!

Well I guess if rumours of the other band are true for 2011 then there will be more than one way to be in with the in crowd. No pre registration? Whatever will the ones who have never lined up to register OR even go online do?

Also, I was told that a certain band flouting registration figures of over 1000 masqueraders to date allegedly only have 500 or thereabouts registered. An improvement from 2009 if this is indeed true, but nothing close to the numbers they were hoping for.

As for the costume quality controversy involving this particular band, well the sauce was reliably informed that the VERY congenial vendor, used to produce costumes, has been showing many people what the samples look like! From reports front line masqueraders should not be worried, and the situation with the regular costumes has been "worked out by the band leader"; lets just hope this is true as well and the final product is just as great as the protoype.

Anyway, word is that the vendor in question was also being sourced by other bands but upon viewing the quality of work was not used, reason giving why this particular band went with said vendor, even though standards were not up to par, is simply because this was the only vendor willing to work within budget even though said vendor knew that the quality of costumes desired would not be attained using the bands budget per costume.

Again these are all ALLEGATIONS and I am reporting it as I get it!

TRIBE, Fraud Alert!

Well, here is hoping those of you who "registered" in TRIBE through a hook up actually have a costume to collect next year; take heed:

IMPORTANT

Be Wary of Fraudulent Activity

It has come to our attention that there are persons who are falsely purporting themselves to be representatives of TRIBE. These persons may claim to be either members of the TRIBE Committee or friends of the Committee and/or TRIBE management and seek to collect monies with the promise to register masqueraders in the band.

Please be advised that the ONLY persons who are authorized to collect monies for registration are the TRIBE Mas Camp/office, Committee members and TRIBE Management. TRIBE shall not be held responsible or accountable for monies not directly submitted via these channels.

Please feel free to contact our office to make any enquiries or to report suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity.

TRIBE Management

TRIBE Registration Committee

Danielle Boucaud, Gillian De Freitas, Kevin Homer, Tara Koon How, Sanjay Ablack, Nicole Bovell, Mark Deane, Kevin Ackin, James Phillips, Cherisse Alexander, Tiffany Campbell, Shakka Subero, Ryan Henrique, Jerson Wattie, Rian Ramrattan, Stuart Gillette, Jamie Aqui, Robero Marquez, Anthony Outridge, Rachel Agarrat, Kendall Sharpe, Stephen Homer, Nicholas Patrick, Marvin Carmino, Kristi Ann Chin, Janna Lise Chung, Gina Alfonso Smith, Dexter McShine, Aeron Kalloo, Joel Lynch, Dave Ramroop, Jules Sobian, Sandra Hordatt, Peter Elias, Rhiannon Pemberton, Thais Mc Gowan, Quita Correia, Candice Cozier, Solange Shaw-Gopaul

SOURCE:

www.carnivaltribe.com

D Krewe Section Lineup

Now wouldn't it be nice if ALL bands published the lineup in advance of costume pick up?

Band Line up on de road 2010

1. Rainforest

2. Desert

3. Riptide

4. Soufriere

5. Hawk

6. Zulu

7. Comancheros

8. Tsunami

9. Yellow Fever

10. Passion

11. Venom

12. Kindred Spirit

13. Sorcerers

For further information call 622-8834 or 622-1716
email ; info@dkrewecarnival.com

We Lovin De Mas
www.dkrewecarnival.com

We Can Wee Wee!!

Breaking news!

After a meeting today with Culture Minister Marlene Mc Donald band leaders FINALLY have a decision on the mobile toilets aka wee wee trucks; the wee wee trucks will NOT be banned for Carnival 2010.

Stipulations in place for all bands using wee wee trucks are that the wee wee trucks cannot be placed to the back of the band, suggestion is that it goes in the MIDDLE, and that the toilets must be cleaned twice for the day.

When contacted, NCBA vice president David Lopez confirmed the meeting, but added that certain conditions applied.

’The bands using the ’wee wee’ trucks will still have to go through the health authority and get approvals. They will also have to get all the relevant licences from the Ministry of Works and Transport. They will have to get final approval from the police to move the trucks on the road,’ he said.


Lopez said the bandleaders must also agree to clean the trucks four times a day-twice in the morning and twice in the evening. The ’wee wee’ trucks must also be positioned at the centre of the Carnival bands.

Although this is great news I am wondering whose bright idea it is to put the wee wee trucks in the MIDDLE of the band? I mean, really does that make more sense than at the BACK?

Sigh....

SOURCE:
Trinidad Express

Beach House 2010

click for large view

Surviving Christmas Part 2

Now that you know how many calories and carbohydrates are in your favorite alcoholic drinks, here is the nutritional content of the traditional Trinidad Christmas staples:

Pastelle:

serving size 86g :Calories 129 Calories from fat 67; Total Carbohydrate 11.9g; Dietary Fiber 1.3g; Sugars 2.3g; Protein 4.4g

Ponche De Creme:

serving size 151g: Clories 272, Calories from fat 63. Total carbohydrate 35.0g; dietary fiber 0.00g; sugars 0.0g; protein 12.1g chloesterol 125.5mg total fat 7.0g, saturated fat 3.6g

Sorrel:

serving size 200g/7.05 OZ: Calories 106 From fat4; Total Carb 25.9g; dietary fiber 0.5g; sugars 23.3g; Protenin 1.1g

Egg Nog:

serving size 283g/10oz : Calories 452 from fat 175; Total fat 19.4g Saturated fat 10.3g; Cholesterol 268mg; Total Carb 31.8 Dietary fiber 0.1g Sugars 11.6g Protein 19.1g

Black Cake:

serving size 132g. Calories: 369. Calories from fat: 122. Total fat: 13.5 g. Saturated fat: 7.0 g. Cholesterol: 86.6 mg. Sodium: 173.7 mg. Total Carbohydrate: 48 g. Dietary Fibre: 2.9g. Sugars: 28.3g. Protein: 4.9g

Ginger beer:

serving size 259g/202g : Calories 207/211 Claories from fat 2; Total fat 0.2g Saturated fat 0.1g Cholesterol 0.0mg; Total carb 52.9g/53.6g Dietary fiber 0.9g Sugars 46.6g Protein 0.5/0.7g

Stewed Pigeon Peas:

serving size 128g: Calories 126 From fat 44; Total fat 4.9g Saturated fat 0.7g. Cholesterol 0.0g. Total Carb 17.4g. Dietary fiber 4.4g Sugars 2.9g Protein 4.5g

As you can see it is pretty easy to pile on the calories, and pounds, with just one meal on Christmas Day!

Some tips to help you survive the Christmas Season as Carnival looms ahead:

*Plan your meals in advance especially on Christmas day, look for low fat versions of your favorite dishes, you will be surprised how little changes in ingredients lower calories without sacrificing taste.

*Try to incorporate low carb options as side dishes; instead of rice, potatoes and macaroni pie try sautéed broccoli, salads and baked vegetables(hold the butter); the less choices you have to indulge in the bad foods the better for you.

*Turkey is low in fat and calories as long as you avoid the skin and only eat the white meat, ham lovers eat more turkey!

*Skip the heavy creamy sauces, dressings and condiments, for salads use a vinaigrette. Hold up on the coconut milk in your pigeon peas.

*Don't plan to diet in the New Year and use that as an excuse to binge, eat sensibly and watch your portion sizes ;eat smaller portions as larger portions laid out on your plate make you feel as if you need to clean your plate. Reality is that when the New year rolls around you will only have SIX weeks until Carnival.

*Decide where you are going to "splurge on your calories", will it be alcohol, carbs, sweets or maybe a teeny bit of each?

*Eat protein first and carbohydrates last, yes this goes against the whole West Indian thinking where you savor your meat for the end of the meal.

*Avoid friends and relatives that guilt you into eating "just one more piece of cake", better yet eat at home before going to Christmas parties and limes so when you show up you will be full.

*Even if you stuff your face silly on Christmas day, remember that you do not have to continue doing so! One day of excess does not mean your diet is shot to hell, just put it behind you and continue to eat sensibly the next day.

* Try and get some exercise during all this eating and drinking, go do some laps at the mall!

Surviving Christmas Part 1

Its that time of year again, the time of year when you ask WHY is Christmas so close to Carnival? I feel your pain people, since of course I am on a diet gearing up for Carnival and I refused to be derailed by sorrel, ponche de creme, pastelle and black cake as I have seen the ladies in my section and they all look like the section leader handpicked them from a casting for America's Next Top Model.... I am serious, all gorgeous.

Anyway, I digress, if you are planning on consuming alcohol over the next few weeks as you attend Christmas parties, functions and visit friends for the season please note the calorie and carbohydrate content in your favorite Spirits:

Wine	Calories	Carbs	Per 5-oz Serving
Chardonnay	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Pinot Grigio	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Zinfandel® White Wine	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Cabernet Sauvignon	20	0.8 g	100 calories, 4 g carbs
Merlot Red Wine	20	0.8 g	100 calories, 4 g carbs

Hard Liquor	Calories	Carbs	Per 1.5-oz Serving
Vermouth	32	0.2 g	64 calories, 0.4 g carbs
Coconut Rum	51	5.3 g	77 calories, 8 g carbs
Beefeater® Gin	65	0 g	98 calories, 0 g carbs
Rye Whiskey	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Scotch Whiskey	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
White Rum	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Vodka	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Cognac	69	2 g	104 calories, 3 g carbs
Tequila	69	5.3 g	104 calories, 8 g carbs
Gilbey’s® Gin	79	0 g	119 calories, 0 g carbs

Beer	Calories	Carbs	Per 12-oz Serving
"Light" Beer	9	0.5 g	108 calories, 6 g carbs
Draft Beer	12	1.1 g	144 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Lager	14	1.1 g	168 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Ale	18	1.1 g	216 calories, 13.2 g carbs

Liqueur	Calories	Carbs	Per 1.5-oz Serving
Chocolate Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs
Mint Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs
Peppermint Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs
Strawberry Liqueur	103	11 g	155 calories, 17 g carbs

Wine is your best bet in terms of calories per glass, however it does have 2g of carbs per every 5oz, hard liquor like rum or scotch has 0 carbs and if you mix it with diet soda it is not a bad option for a drink either, once you can stop at just A drink. The best advice for those looking to stave off the extra lbs for Christmas is to not drink at all, as the calories in alcohol do add up! I love the options laid out by the author of the blog She Walks Around With It:

Booze not only slows your metabolism, it has lots and LOTS of stupid calories. So like, if you're a girl, and you're aiming to consume 1200 calories a day, and you're an alcoholic, your options go something like this:

Daily Food Intake: Option 1
1/2 grapefruit
1 slice whole grain toast
2 tbs peanut butter
1/4 c cottage cheese
grilled chicken salad
1 apple
2 slices cheese
handful almonds
sensible dinner
Daily Food Intake: Option 2
1 bottle wine
3 potato chips

Basically if you want to survive DRINKING during the Christmas holidays choose your alcohol wisely, drink in moderation, watch the mixers as diet sodas will be the better choice over fruit juice, avoid cocktails and best of all, do not drink at all if you are on a diet. Easier said than done with all the temptation but just think of your costume and the fact that you would have to burn off ALL those calories post Christmas in order for them not to convert to extra lbs!

Tomorrow we discuss Surviving Christmas Part 2.... EATING!

SOURCE:
www.sparkpeople.com

Island People Sold Out Section Update

Looks like getting people into the mas camp, with free food and drinks, to have discussions and socialize must be working in Island People's favour, either that or people are impressed by the Road Works initiative because two more sections are now SOLD OUT:

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

FRONTLINE OPTION  ONLY REMAINING

FRONTLINE  ONLY SOLD OUT

BBM Carnival Survivor Pack

Bags By Mimi is now offering Carnival Survivor Packs, handy miniature items that you can toss into your Carnival pouch.... or Knapsack.

Usually I have a few of the items listed squeezed into the smallest of pouches on the road, safety pins and blotting sheets are MUST HAVE life saver items that I do not do without; you will not believe how handy a safety pin can be, saved my friend's broken Ruby Topaz wing this year!

 So, if you do not want the hassle of sourcing all these mini items yourself check out Bags By Mimi or the Bags By Mimi Facebook Group and place your order.

BBM is looking to extend its services to not only making custom made bags but bringing to you survivor packs!

Survivor Packs would have all miniature items necessary for on the road survival

Even if you do not purchase a bag form BBM you can purchase a survivor pack, or any survivor pack item!

You have two choices:
you can create your own survivor pack or purchase one that is pre packaged!

Survivor Packs and their items are available by order only! And  must be paid for within 5 days after ordering!

Survivor Pack Basic- $70.00TT :

Purell Hand Sanitizer Wipes 10pk

Mouthwash

Neutrogena Sunblock SPF 55

* Feminine Wipes

**Deodorant

Tylenol Extra Strength

Safety Pins

*Panty Shields

*Tampon/ Sanitary Napkin

Band Aid 8pack

*Clean and Clear Oil Blotting Sheets

Survivor Pack Deluxe-$130TT:

Purell Hand Sanitizer Wipes 10pk

Neutrogena Sunblock SPF 55

*Feminine Wipes

**Deodorant

4xTylenol Extra Strength

Mouthwash

Safety Pins

*Panty Shields

*Tampon/ Sanitary Napkin

Band Aid 8 pack

*Compact mirror and brush

*Glitter Gel

Clean and Clear Oil Blotting Sheets

2x Hangover cure tablets

***Axe Deodaorant Spray

NOTE:
* - Available for Females only
** - Female- either Degree Women's or Soft & Dri
Male - either Degree or Right Guard
*** - Available for Males only

Studded Boots Are Back

These studded boots are back on Ami Clubwear having been a pretty hot seller when they first appeared:

I have seen these boots on a real person and they look good , plus I like the fact that the studs make it easy if you want to leave it as is, it is already decorated, or you can extra embellishments if you choose.

These boots sell for between $295.00TT- $335.00TT at Shoe Frenzy and $390.00TT to $450.00TT on the Facebook Boutiques.... get them before they are gone! If you are buying from Amiclubwear use the code TWILIGHT30 for 30% off your order.

Carnival Kicks Hot Shorts

Carnival Kicks has now added apparel to their online Carnival accessory offering. Colors include Gold, Hot Pink, Neon Orange, Turquoise, Magenta and Red and they will also be getting sequined hot shorts in stock.

The price range is from USD $15.95 - $22.50, check them out online at Carnival Kicks.

In a related Monday Wear note, I found this sequined hot short set at Musotica, it comes in 5 colour options, pretty cool for Monday wear:

Road Works Update - Tell me the Honest Route!

So, coming out of Island People's feedback forum, Roadworks 2, is the revelation that the band will be changing it's  former policy and will make a lunch stop for Carnival 2010:

Check out the Meeting outcomes below from the last Road Works Session!

ROAD WORKS 2 MEETING OUTCOMES.... Tell me the Honest Route!

Should we go downtown?

Yes, majority of the masqueraders would like to go downtown

Would like to get downtown early – some suggestions to make this happen –

Start here at IP Mas Camp (officially allowed to leave from your band house) and end in stadium (parking in stadium, shuttling masqueraders to Mas camp)?

Start at Victoria Square? Breakfast at Victoria Square and go to the first judging point there?

The intention is to go downtown, but the reality is that things may change on the day, on the road. There are scouts on the road assessing the flow. If the route changes it’s because we are looking out for the interest of the masqueraders – don’t want to have people waiting.

Will discuss with NCBA the most practical starting point and where we can go first as they try to separate the big bands from hitting all the judging points at the same time.

In order to get downtown early, masqueraders need to assist the band in starting/deploying on time

 Should we stop to eat and where?

The plan for 2010 is to stop to eat

Rest time is scheduled for 1 hour, give or take, depending on the movement of other bands on
the route

There will be finger foods available throughout the day on the road

Problem with trucks separating during the day

Due to the size of the wheels on 3 or 4 of the trucks, there were problems turning on St. Vincent St. These trucks are not being used next year.

Interesting developments, especially since Island People masqueraders have always been in support of the NO lunch stop policy in the past, citing the fact that other bands needed to "rest" from playing mas to have lunch while they were all about non stop, all day, jamishness!

On the agenda for the next Road Works session, which takes place on Friday December 11, from 6-7pm at Island People's mas camp is “Security, For Surety…..The Priority!”

UWI Fete 2010

click to enlarge

Harts is SOLD OUT!!

It's December and Harts is SOLD OUT, almost one month earlier than they did in 2009!

Sources have informed me that not only does Harts have more sections for Carnival 2010, they also have 1500 MORE people than in 2009. Could this mean that other bands will be smaller? Only time will tell.

If you are keeping score only two bands, out of 21 are SOLD OUT completely for Carnival 2010.

Will there be a last minute surge of registration post Christmas? Has there been a reduction in the number of overseas masqueraders coming for Trinidad Carnival?

For the remaining bands I do hope that we see some SOLD OUT signs on sections soon.

Amnesia 2010

Bachanal Mas Pre Launch, Traditions Nottinghill Carnival 2010

Blue Devil

Bachanal Mas pre launch of their 2010 Nottinghill Carnival presentation," Traditions", was held on Saturday. Here are photos from the launch  which depicts Traditional Mas from Trinidad Carnival:

Carnival in December!

Photos from British Airways and Trinidad Development Company (TDC) promotional video shoot which took place on Saturday featuring costumes from TRIBE, Island People and Spice:

I have to tell you, some of these costumes look fantastic in natural light, Charmeuse is gorgeous, Greece is very pretty and Mudra looks awesome.

However Threads of Morocoo just fell flat, hopefully the frontline with more pink and plumage pops more on the road, if I were the floor member I would be definitely rocking some pink boots to stand out with all that gold on gold.

Loving the preview of Carnival 2010, just the shot of excitement needed in a slow December!

Secret of Silk Section Lineup... Sort Of

This year in the  infamous "Outwitted, Outmaneuvered, Outplayed" post where I threw a cyber tantaturm about TRIBE's  proposed section lineup, which led to consequences beyond expectation, followers of this blog were surprised that the section lineup meant THAT much to me.

Well, as in all things Carnival I take the placement of my section very, very seriously. I have observed certain trends with TRIBE over the years of where certain designers/section leaders' sections are placed as well as which sections always follow a particular truck and which sections tend to bring up the rear.

My theories were all thrown out the window for Carnival 2009 as I did not factor in the President's section choice, which led the band,  sponsored sections that wanted to be placed near the front or even the fact that certain designers made a fuss at being in the back (see I am not the only one!)

So for Carnival 2010 I have NEW theories on what the lineup might look like; some things will remain the same, Lana Nobrega's section will always be in the cluster with the Hypa Hoppa truck and the President's section will be to the front, while others will change.

 I am guessing that in fairness to sections that were in the back half of the band for a few years there will be a rotation putting designers closer to the front. And as a certain designer had all THREE of their sections in the top 5 for 2009, I am sure at least 2 of that designer's sections will be in the back next year. Popularity of sections has nothing to do with the lineup so do not expect the sections that sold out first to be closer to the front!

So, based on certain information, theories and speculation here is my proposed section line up for TRIBE 2010:

Cluster 1

1. Xi Ling Shi

2.Mulberry

Cluster 2

3.Osage

4. Silk of Rajasthan

Cluster 3

5.Zari

6. Habotai

Cluster 4

7.Mystery of Loulan

8. Charmeuse

Cluster 5

9.Serica

10.Lapis Lazuli

11.Threads of Morocco

Cluster 6

12. Tyrian Purple

13.Eri

As for where my section falls in this proposed lineup, not to the back I can tell you for sure! After being section #5 this year I am ok with not being section # 1 every year. What made the experience even better was that security ensured all sections crossed the judging point in order.

My fears were that after the first couple sections passed the judging area that  the rest of sections would cross in one big melee as happened in 2008; thankfully that did not occur this year. Now I am not saying I would be happy in cluster 5 or cluster 6 , truth be told I would be estatic in cluster 1 or 2 and happy enough in cluster 3 or 4, anything beyond that well....

So, lets hear YOUR proposed section lineup; where you would ideally like your section to be placed, any preferences for being to the front or back of the band and why? Leave me a comment!

L'Echo Section Line Up

Breathalyser For Carnival 2010

Trinidadians have always enjoyed a certain "freedom" when it comes to alcohol consumption in this country; no one checks your ID to see if you are of legal age when you go to a bar or club, you can walk into any public space with opened alcohol in your possession and many a motorist have been seen casually driving with  one hand on the steering wheel and a beer in the other.

 I guess this type of "free up" mentality is what makes the novelty of copious alcohol consumption without censure for Carnival so attractive to those who visit for the first time and are awed by the fact that they can drink themselves into a stupor at fete after fete, not to mention for the two days of the Carnival parade. It is being reported, however, that the "free up attitude" to getting drunk and driving is getting a massive spoke in the wheel as the breathalyser will be implemented in test stages by Christmas Eve and in full by Carnival 2010 as stated by   Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert:

Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert has called on motorists to be on guard for this month’s initial phase of breathalyser testing and its full implementation for Carnival 2010. Imbert expects that the first stage of breathalyser-testing in Trinidad and Tobago will begin at strategic locations on Christmas Eve. “The target date I have asked my staff and the police to achieve is December 24,” he said. He also set Carnival 2010 as the proposed deadline for the full implementation of testing throughout the country. “I would say by Carnival next year, all those who want to go and get drunk better be careful because it would not be a good idea to drink and drive because apart from the physical danger, I am certain you will be caught and you will be charged,” Imbert said at yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.

“I do not see any difficulties whatsoever in the full implementation of this system and I think we had all better be on guard because it is going to start in this month, December, and I think for Carnival next year it will be in full swing.” Imbert dismissed concerns that staffing constraints in the local police force will obstruct the implementation of the testing. “I do not forsee any manpower problems in terms of locating this 140 or 200 policemen to do this testing,” he said.

What this means to drinkers is that you can drink, but driving is certainly out of the question as it should be. It is one thing to be bombarded with the Arrive Alive message of  don't drink and drive and a whole other ball game when you know you can be fined and/or jailed for the offense. Personally I think the breathalyser is a long time coming to Trinidad and Tobago, though it will certainly take some adjusting to in a culture where there is a rum shop on practically every corner.

According to Minister Imbert "an average male of 5 foot 10 tall, weighing about 180 pounds would be able to have less than three - about two and a half - drinks over a period of three hours" to reach the legal limit of alcohol level."  Realistically speaking what Mr Imbert is asking is near impossible for even casual drinkers much less for the hearty drinkers, especially those patronizing the all inclusive fetes! After spending  $100.00US on average for one of the more popular all inclusives for Carnival, as a drinker you do NOT go for the variety of meal options, you go for the variety of drinks!

A very sobering thought with the breathalyser looming over Carnival 2010 is how will this affect the public when it comes to consuming alcohol at  fetes as well as drinking on the road for Monday and Tuesday? Are all inclusive fetes going to be as attractive to the masses knowing that you will  not be able to drink with abandon, trying to get your moneys worth if you intend on driving? And after two days of merriment and Johnny Walker on the road Carnival Monday and Tuesday how  many hours of sobriety will it take for a masquerader, drinking all day, to be legally fit to drive?

My advice  to all those who have no intention on changing their drinking habits for Carnival 2010 is to make sure you have a designated driver, one who is DEPENDABLE, and does not drink. I drink, my husband rarely does so he is the designated driver and even he is concerned on how the "legal sobriety limit" will now affect fetes and liming habits of Trinidadians!

 If a designated driver is not an option for you have the number of a taxi service on hand,arrange pick up after fetes even if it will cost you extra. Hire group  transport to take you to the fetes you are interested in going to, spread the cost among a group of friends. I have seen maxi taxis transporting fete goers to Beach House and Salybia fete, maybe this will be the norm for next year.If all else fails please, please be aware that you will have to sleep it off in your car until you are legally sober enough to drive home.

The drinking freedom many of you would have enjoyed in the past for Carnival  is no longer possible, the serious consequences of the breathalyser will hopefully force many to make a choice between getting drunk or getting behind the wheel; if you drink do not drive! I am certain that the police officers will be out in full force for Carnival, if not at any time of the year, setting up Breathalyser Road Blocks after fetes. Imagine being held in jail for failing the breathalyser test on Carnival Friday; you will not see the light of day until Ash Wednesday! Drinkers, you have been duly informed!

SOURCE:
Trinidad Guardian
Trinidad Express

Trinidad Carnival 2010 Updates

Mas Jumbies has now officially launched the website for  L'Echo, Jouvert 2010, you can now register online for your section of choice.

Jhalwa Carnival band also has a new spot on the world wide web http://jhalwacarnival.com/ for costume photos, information and registration. Interesting to note that the prices advertised for the female costumes are for small headpiece option, the larger will cost you extra, and deposit is 50%.

It has appeared that the section Wikiki is no longer available for registration on Pulse 8's website....aloha Wikiki, I actually thought you were one of the nicer sections minus the plastic fish on the frontline backpack!

Hilton Trinidad is now advertising the special 40% discount off room rates for Spice masqueraders:

Attn: Spice Carnival Band members :- contact us now to book your room at our speically discounted SPICE price. Make your 2010 carnival a safe and enjoybale one...Contact reservations at 624 3211 ext 6040/41 or reservations.trinidad@hilton.com.

Please note that the minimum you can book the Hilton for is 3 nights to take advantage of the special.

TRIBE announced the winners of their 2009 "Win Your Costume Free" promotion, Norvon Fullerton (hey I know him!) won the trip to NYC and Tamesha Duncan won the free costume. Thing is I know I am never going to win any free costume from TRIBE  in their 2010 competition so I am going to pay off for my costume on the very last qualifying day for Fast Track (Friday January 15th).

Word on  fete prices for Carnival 2010 is that many of the more popular fetes are trying to keep prices within the range of what they charged for 2009. Evidence of this can be seen with Hilarians All Inclusive Fete, scheduled for January 16, 2010 and the price is same as 2009 at $650.00TT . Not all prices will  remain the same though, TRIBE's Season pass for their 4 major events has raised from $850.00TT (2009) to $1000.00TT (2010). I await the "recession" prices for  One Fete, Amnesia, UWI Fete, Blue Range, Salybia Fete, Beach House, Vale Vibe and Brian Lara's Fete !                            

TRIBE Fast Track Promotion and Fete Season Pass

click to enlarge

Carnival 2010 Season Passes

T.L.C. Holders - $1000

(Card must be presented at time of purchase)

Non -T.L.C. - $1100

Payment by cash only

Season Passes Available at TRIBE Mas Camp &

through Red Ants & TRIBE Committee

J'ouvert Bands Trinidad Carnival 2010

Here is a listing of all the J'ouvert bands that have a fan page or group on Facebook as many of them do not have an independent website.

Simply Jouvert

QPCC J'ouvert

Dirty Dozen J'ouvert

Insomniacs

D Image People

Lords of Paint

Silver Mudders

Caesar Entertainment (Shades de J'ouvert)

Bubble Bath 

Chocolate City 

Mas Jumbies

Yellow Devils

Nasty Devils

The best thing about using Facebook as a medium of advertising is that the bands have discussions, photos and user interaction plus interested potential masqueraders get updates on the bands that have already launched or have themes for J'ouvert 2010, of course if you want to participate you do need a Facebook account, you can view the bands' information without joining however: