Trinidad Carnival - Sunny Side Up

Greetings peeps, Kermit here welcoming you to Sunny Side Up 2010, one of Trinidad Carnival’s premiere breakfast fetes. I will admit that after last year’s fete, there was a feeling among my crew that SSU may have plateaued and it was proposed that in 2010 we make a turn to the Vale Fete to see what the scene was like over there. We made what we thought were concrete arrangements in November and when February reached and we realized that we had been given a “look-left-go-right” for the tickets we decided that we would do SSU one more time and boy were we glad that we did.

We arrived at around 4:30 am (our usual time) and after eating a solid breakfast (as usual) we filled our cups with strong drink and claimed our spot between the foam spout/foam cannon and the sprinklers (as usual) and as I stood in the cool Trinidad early morning sipping a cocktail and watching the crowd filter in, I experienced feelings of contentment with the 2010 carnival season as it had unfolded thus far. Despite the fact that I had only arrived 2 days ago, my carnival season, though short, had been very eventful as you have no doubt seen from my earlier commentaries. The partying had been excellent, the usual carnival Saturday beach lime was excellent, and here I was this morning hoping to repeat a usually excellent experience.By now you have no doubt noticed my frequent use of the word “usual”.

This by no means should be taken as a criticism due to the fact that since I very much like to enjoy carnival to the max, I only attend events where I would “usually” have a great time and SSU definitely fits that bill. At SSU you know what you are going to get year after year namely: great food, great drinks, great music, and most importantly of all great people; people who enjoy diving in the foam and washing off and cooling down in the sprinklers; people who may not look like your usual crowd but you don’t care because they definitely have the same goals, i.e. having plenty fun. This level of ease in a fete is very welcoming and it was quite a surprise when I noticed something highly un-usual taking place….. I was bouncing! “Bouncing?” you ask. “Bouncing!” I reply. “Since when is bouncing unusual in a fete?” you counter. “Since both my feet are squarely in contact with the floor yet my body is following the path of a smooth sine curve – up and down and up and down!”

Peeps, I exaggerate not! One minute I was standing still and getting my drink/gape on, and the next thing I knew, I was up and down like a see-saw. Since SSU takes place quite literally in a closed-off street, the organizers built platforms over the sidewalks in an attempt to protect the grass growing on the sidewalks from being destroyed. These platforms appeared to be a simple wooden frame covered with painted plywood and should one simply stand on it, it would act just like that, a platform. However, at the onset of group jumping, group wining, or group bouncing, the platform dynamic changes completely and it becomes more like a trampoline than a motionless floor and this trampoline effect’s influence is not limited to the area close to the aforementioned group action. Hell to the naw peeps, it becomes a Peter-pays-for-Paul scenario and is like all ah we name Paul because every man-jack was moving whether you intended to or not.

Now when I say moving, I don’t mean a slight hop, I mean a sizeable jump. I am not a small person and during a piece of particularly wild palancery I deliberately tried to simply stand on the platform and I found all 238 lbs of my froggish self airborne. These platforms extended for most of the length of the street and, from all appearances, were consistently springy everywhere. At first I was somewhat concerned that the plywood would break but then I thought that even if it did crack, there really wasn’t too far to fall and besides, it is not like people would be jumping like mad all morning as sooner or later they would get tired and the oscillations would subside. (Most of you should have chuckled at this last statement and immediately seen the folly of my thinking but for the 4% that didn’t, please allow me to explain.)

Trinidadians like wildness, wait, let me rephrase that, Trinidadians LOVE wildness. SSU was the first breakfast fete to introduce foam to the experience and when my fellow Trinis saw this, not only did they embrace this new diversion, they quite literally threw themselves in it. For the first years of foam, a lake usually formed under the foam machine and not only did people wine and prance under the foam stream and cover themselves from head to toe in it, they lay down on the ground and immersed themselves completely in it. This of course resulted in several accidental mashings and as a result, in subsequent years the foam volume and density was adjusted to protect the more exuberant of the wildness-partakers. After witnessing (and documenting) this, why in the world would I think that temperance would be exercised when faced with this new and exciting amusement?

True to form, once the masses discovered that this springy and seemingly miraculously bendy surface existed, they set upon it with a vigor that belied the earliness of the hour and as the sun rose, its golden rays shone down on a fete that had a solid mass of people wining in the middle of the road bracketed on either side by two columns of bouncing, flailing, palancing, foot-in-the-air, holding-on-for-dear-life-to-a-tree people doing their best to test the limits of the platform’s elasticity. It was truly a sight to see and try as I might to capture the moment on film, the images I recorded were woefully inadequate representations of the fluidity and elegance I beheld. To see a Trini pelting waist during carnival is a wonderful sight and is of itself a study in grace and athleticism, but to combine this sinuous activity with a constantly undulating floor elevates the act to an art form. If you were there to witness it, you know what I mean and if you weren’t, well, I guess is a hard luck eh!

The live entertainment served only to increase the considerable momentum which had been built up by the DJs over the course of the morning and when JW and Blaze, the Palance Factory themselves took to the stage, a friend commented that he was sure the platform would soon be nothing but a pile of matchsticks. “Nah man,” I told him, “a few years ago there was a fete at the DC Convention Center for DC’s Carnival where the floor was behaving similarly and we later learned that it had been engineered to do just that so I am not worrying at all. Floors can be bendy and not break.” “True that,” he responded “but I am sure that SSU ent pay nobody no engineer money to make this floor so. If there is to be a crick-crack, I doh want to be de monkey breaking mih back so I will stand at the edge.” Hmmm. Point. Good point!

As a matter of fact, damn good pointy-point-point! Better to be safe than sorry so in the palancepocalypse that ensued, we participated from the relative safety of the palanceparticipants in de road and kept an eye out for palanceplatformmashupdrama on de side which thankfully never palancematerialized. (Ok, I admit that was really too many palance attachments. I done now.)

The rest of the fete flew by as is usually the case when one is having fun and before we knew it, the sun was blazing hot and high in the sky and the masses were filing out and not heading to their cars, but rather to Mohammed’s Café about a block south of the fete. Here is where the after party had kicked off and despite the fact that some of these people had been partying since 4:00 a.m. that morning and it was now around noon, they were still active and full of energy. I on the other hand usually knew when to say when and now was that time so I made my way home to rest and gather my strength for J’Ouvert.

This year’s SSU exceeded my expectations and despite reservations based on the 2009 iteration, I was extremely happy that I attended in 2010 and I am definitely looking forward to 2011.

Enjoy the pics peeps, J’Ouvert with Cocoa Devils is next.

Machel Montano Speaks !

Check out the first in a four part interview with Machel Montano conducted by Walshy Fire from Black Chiney Sound and 103.5 the Beat in Miami:

You can hear the entire interview on Sunday, March 21st from 6-8pm E by tuning in to the website www.thebeatmiami.com.

Look out for the Walshy Fire's soca cd Socal 4 : The Socavivor hosted by Mr. Montano himself to drop next week and you can follow Walshy Fire on www.twitter.com/walshyfire, www.facebook.com/walshyfire and www.walshyfire.podomatic.com for more info.

The TRIBE Toronto Saga Continues

After the letter sent in January was released to me a flood of new information has come to light including minutes of a most recent meeting held by the TMBA on March 13, 2010. During the numerous discussions and points that were raised in said meeting two things stood out for me ; 1.) No one could cite or legally prove exactly which rule TRIBE Toronto has broken and 2.) The major issue is the fact that Andre De Freitas has been accused of lying about the role TRIBE Trinidad will play in TRIBE Toronto as well as the fact that the publicity surrounding TRIBE Trinidad's involvement was premature (articles posted in the Trinidad Newsday Newspaper was discussed):

‘Tribe Toronto’ Agenda Item from
C) Business Arising:

In Attendance:

MARK DELEON, WHITEFIELD BELASCO, CALVIN BELASCO, TONY ISHMAEL, MARCUS EUSTACE, WILL MORTON, MARLON SINGH, ERROL ACHUE, BRYCE AGUITON, RAS PERSAUD, MERVYN SKEETE, GARVIN CRICHLOW, GAIL SEUSAHAI, CURTIS EUSTACE, WHITNEY DOLDRON, ANEIL PERSAUD, ANDRE DEFREITAS, KENTY DEFREITAS, JACKIE FORDE, CLARENCE FORDE, THEA JACKSON, DARRIO JACKSON, DEXTER SEUSAHAI, ALVIN ADORE, LOUIS SALDENAH

· Clarence Forde (CS) asked Louis Saldenah (LS) who actually signed the letter in question
· LS said it was signed by Nip’s wife on behalf of Nip simply as acceptance and not approval for the content
· LS said the name change was not discussed by the Executive prior to the Jan 23 meeting (or to date in fact)
· LS said they will
· CF asked of the letter will be dealt with by the Executive
· LS wanted clarification on some issues first (recommendation)
· Bryce asked if the claim by Andre De Freitas (ADF) was factual
· LS said the signature was only for the acceptance of the letter, not for the approval of the request
· ADF said it was given to ‘Council
· CF and Bryce wanted to know who ‘Council’ was?
· LS needed to confirm the receipt of the Jan 11th letter and what the status of the new body was
· LS said that by the time the letter was received, Tribe Toronto was already operating – not clear of Newsday article was out then
· Ken De Freitas (KDF) asked that LS get his dates straight. Said ADF was accused of forgery…(although KDF was not present at the last meeting)
· LS clarified what he saw on the document
· A lively ‘debate’ ensued
· Again, it was noted that Nip’s wife, Colleen signed on Nip’s behalf that the document had been received.
· LS denies accusing ADF of forgery – it was an issue of getting to the root of what ADF was claiming as he presented a few different versions of the document status and what was signed by whom
· Garvin reviews to KDF what the discussion was at the last meeting and why ADF’s integrity is being called to question. He also explained why the membership has reacted the way it has, based on the events and presentation by ADF at that meeting. Reiterated that Andre was not accused of forgery, just mis-representation
· Bryce wanted to know what was to be done about the fact that ADF first said the Executive signed the document, then said Nip did, then admitted it was actually Colleen receiving the document….and was it an email thread or an actual letter?
· Lively debate again…no answer to the question
· Calvin asked if there is a problem with ADF changing the name?
· LS clarified that the whole issue is about the presence of Tribe Toronto as a possible offspring of Tribe Trinidad. Louis read from the Newsday article announcing tribe’s plans to enter the Toronto Caribana festival. States that many bands have similar names as TT bands (D.Midas, Callalloo, etc) but operate autonomously (no controlling involvement from Trinidad bands)
· LS notes that if a large mas comes from Trinidad, it is allowed to perform as a guest and is not part of the judging – that should apply to all mas (section and otherwise) coming from TT
· LS said, we must protect our brand, the festival and the local culture we are publically funded for
· LS reminds the membership that the Tribe website still notes Tribe Trinidad as an operating body in Tribe Toronto. What if ADF and Tribe Trinidad have a falling out? Will that allow Tribe Trinidad to have complete control? ADF has never produced a contract, and said he did not have one at the last meeting.
· Mervyn Skeete (MS) states that he has a problem with this happening and funding 3 levels of government is now at risk. We have rules for large mas, does this not also apply to section mas? Will ADF personally give MS all monies he will lose should the funding be pulled back due to this issue? We must protect the integrity of our operations and source of funds
· KDF claims it is all hearsay and rumours. Is it any different from the bands buying body suits from India
· Needless to say a really lively debate ensued…
· CF mentioned that a Union contact mentioned to him that Mijhevic told this contact that he was aware of the Tribe situation…urged caution at how we approach as it is a public debate now. Funding will be pulled if we are not smart and diligent
· (Editor’s note: I have seen multiple Blogs detailing what is being discussed in our meetings with the source being ‘a bandleader’. Gents, what happens in the meeting stays in the meeting…keep your mouths closed to the public…it is damaging all of us http://karabana.blogspot.com/2010/01/voted-no-to-tribe-toronto.html)
· LS agreed, he had heard the same thing
· LS detailed a letter from Eddison Doyle indicating that the FMC distributes monies for ‘local operations’ only
· Dexter S (DS) said, no respect to ADF or KDF, but they took the wrong approach and lied. ADF also disrespected all the bandleaders with his comments and attitude. Also wanted to know why the Toronto-Lime ads are still running of the band name has not been approved and they are still associated with Tribe TT
· Dexter S (DS) said, no respect to ADF or KDF, but they took the wrong approach and lied. ADF also disrespected all the bandleaders with his comments and attitude. Also wanted to know why the Toronto-Lime ads are still running of the band name has not been approved and they are still associated with Tribe TT
· Thea (new band) noted that ADF claimed in the January meeting that Tribe TT will have 3 sections in his band, then ADF retracted the claim – so what is the truth?
· KDF denies it
· General debate about it…nothing of relevance to note
· LS to KDF, members do not have a problem with the Tribe name, it is the alliance with the Tribe TT – it would be no different than allowing MacFarlane or Legacy to come with a band and receive Canadian funding to be a band in Canada
· LS sent a letter (signed by 3 out of 5 of the Executive) to Dean in Trinidad and it has not been replied to
· KDF claims Dean thinks it is not to be taken serious and scoffed at it
· ADF was not aware of the letter and wanted to know why he was not asked to sign it…
· LS told him he only needed 3 of the Executive to sign it
· Garvin notes that there is a process for changing a band’s name and for participation. The announcement of Tribe Toronto, prior to approval breaches that process. Reminds membership that Andre was ready to call a lawyer in the last meeting…
· ADF asks, what is the process for changing a band’s name? Show me?
· LS said he felt ADF did not understand the processes and the way to conduct himself as a bandleader
· Bryce wants the truth. Is Tribe TT an operating partner in Tribe Toronto? Says ADF has presented so many conflicting stories that he does not know what to believe. Feels ADF tried to misrepresent the document he said was approved
· ADF disagrees
· Bryce feels the membership has been deceived and nothing is being clarified
Calvin has a few issues…He has no confidence in ADF. His minutes from the Jan meeting had large gaps in them, even though he brought someone along to type them for him, especially the discussions around Tribe’s issues. No indication of what motions were passed or by whom. Feels ADF is putting the funding in jeopardy. What will be done? Feels Tribe should not come to Toronto
· KDF says none of that is true…more ranting
· Calvin says, we must come to a decision…ASAP
· GAIL S asks, will ADF put out a press release disassociating himself with Tribe TT? Are they willing to do that?
· ADF did not answer
· LS states that in the Executive meeting, ADF said he cannot do that
· LS indicates that ‘perception' is powerful. Websites all validate the association
· LS asks if we need to restrict the number of name changes a band can go through as the Evolution/Allspice/Tribe changes speak to disorganization and poor band management
· Bryce notes that the websites are all still the same as they were – nothing was done or has changed. ADF plans to do nothing
· GAIL S asks, will ADF put out a press release?
· ADF asks if that will satisfy the membership?
· LS says the horse is out of the barn now…
· Bryce states that there is an issue of trust now…
· ADF asks if he needs to provide a letter from Tribe TT?
· Whitney Douldron (WD) says, Press Release or letter, each would need to be validated
· GAIL S asked ADF if he is willing to state the name change and publically disassociate himself from Tribe TT
· ADF said he will state the name change but avoided the question about the disassociation
· LS states that the issue at odds is the funding risk. Reminded ADF that he promised to remove his name from the web sites…and has not
· Garvin – it is still there
· ADF claims it is gone
· (Editors note: It takes about 72 hours for a change on the internet to propagate and appear as content is cached in browsers)
· MS says he is troubled by the misrepresentation from ADF as ADF is in a position of trust on the Executive
· ADF says he will resign his position
· Dario (new band) states that if this was an operating business/corporation, this kind of behavior (bringing risk to revenue sources) would be met with swift discipline. This issue has carried on for a long time and must be addressed quickly. This is not about a name change.
· KDF – it is just a name change
· Lively discussion
· Thea (new band) asks how do you pass a motion to remove a band?
· CF states that there no way to ‘vote out’ a band. As per the constitution. A disciplinary committee will review a band’s behavior and make a recommendation to the Executive, who then present it to the membership to vote upon.
· CF also mentions that an integrity of an individual can be put to the floor by any member
· Bryce asks if trying to pass off a fake document a breach?
· Calvin asks, what if the Executive turns down a name change request?
· Mervyn reiterates the process
· Bryce asks what was decided in the Executive meeting about the name change (see earlier note that the meeting has not happened)
· General question – did Andre resign?
· Calvin – a comment made in the heat of the moment is not a resignation
· MOTION TO REMOVE ANDRE AS ASST RECORDING SEC
MARCUS MADE THE MOTION
BRYCE SECONDED
14 ACCEPTED (INCLUDING ANDRE)
2 ABSTAINED
MOTION CARRIED

There is much more in the way of minutes from the meeting ,but based on the excerpt posted above I am sure you get the "gist" of what happened .It is also interesting to note that TRIBE Toronto was not placed to enter as a new band, but from the minutes the NAME was changed from a band that already exists; how this affects the rules that were allegedly broken is I suppose a matter for the TMBA to decide on but clearly there was no set precedent on how to handle that issue.

As for the inclusion of information being leaked to the blogs, well too late for that! Someone REALLY wants the public to know what is happening regarding the TRIBE Toronto issue and no, the information is not being leaked from TRIBE's side. The decisions being made are not supported by ALL band leaders in Toronto, some do feel as if it is a "witch hunt":

Coming from that meeting is now an ultimatum for TRIBE Toronto and as one blogger commented on Monday, it is now a game of chess! What will be the next move?

WITHOUT PREDIJUICE (sic)

After consultation with Legal Counsel, on the TRIBE situation.

Discipline should be meted out according to
a) The severity of the infraction
b) The consequences of the infraction to the whole group (TMBA)
c) The consequences to each Band/Bandleader

a) If the person is willing to acknowledge that, he did make a mistake.
b) If the person is willing to take the necessary steps, as asked by the members to make
corrections, in the media.
c) If the person is willing to completely disassociate from the Trinidad group.

This merits the lesser form of discipline

BUT
A) If the person is still stating that he did not know how his name became involved.
B) If the person does not want to make corrections as asked
C) If the person is arrogant about the whole affair
D) If members of their group make THREATS, (all you have to go through me)
or behaves in a manner to bring discredit to the TMBA.

This merits a more severe discipline.

There are only TWO forms of Discipline for this situation, they should be accorded,
THE OFFENDING BAND CAN BE DEMOTED TO THE LOWEST CATEGORY
(C division) or the more severe penalty of being
SUSPENDED FOR A PERIOD OF NOT MORE THAN ONE YEAR

If one of these penalties is not done, this will show that the TMBA as a group cannot control their members and will leave the door WIDE OPEN for any other Band to do the same thing in the future.

When one of these penalties is handed down, this does not MAKE THE WAY OPEN FOR ANY OTHER BAND TO ADVANCE TO A HIGHER DIVISION, all other Bands will stay in their allotted positions.

The Spice Experience

Saucy,

I started playing mas when I was 3. I have played consistently since then and have jumped with many bands- Harts, Barbarosa, Minshall, Mavericks, Poison, Berkley, Skandal-Us and this year, Spice. This was my first year playing with an all- inclusive band. My education roots make me extremely skeptical of the hyperbole used by bands touting their “ultimate,” “ultra,” “one-of- a- kind” road experience. This elusive experience that the bandleaders tout and the masqueraders seek is possible when mas is played in Utopia, not Trinidad. After three decades of playing mas, the only person who can deliver this “ultimate” experience is…MOI! After all, I pay for this!

Playing mas is the objective of Monday and Tuesday. As a masquerader, I want a costume that I love, food and drink (if all-inclusive), good music, and good vibes in the band. Spice delivered on all four. So, what made my experience so sweet when others are so sour?

CROSSING THE STAGE

Numerous masqueraders complained about the drink trucks being AWOL and the long wait to cross the stage. Since mas has been “on de road,” the trucks have always turned off at Memorial Park. On Monday and Tuesday, I grabbed a few waters and beers to keep me hydrated since I knew I wouldn’t see the trucks until after I palanced across the stage. As far as the long wait, this is not new or specific to any one band. The bands are actually crossing the stage at the savannah faster than when there was the big stage. Don’t these people remember the days of Poison when you watched the band start to cross the stage, ran out to get some Royal Castle, came home, and Poison was still crossing de stage?

After palancing across the stage, numerous Spicers made like lemmings and stormed the first bar truck they saw. Upon seeing the madness, I chipped ahead to the front bars and easily got some more drinks. I thought to myself-don’t those people know that there are 2 express bars and another full bar in this band? Apparently not. My question was answered when the lemmings on Monday were joined by even more lemmings on Tuesday.

LUNCH STOP

When the line-up was revealed, my beloved section, Thailand, was second to last! Now, I am a front-of-the-band kind of girl. I am too much of a control freak to be wining to oblivion in the back of the band. I was not going to let Thailand’s placement deter me. After crossing the stage and grabbing my drinks, I made my way to the front of the band because I figured we headed to the rest stop, QRC. The control freak wanted to assess the situation. Because my partner–in-crime and I were among the first few to enter the grounds, we readily secured chairs, had clean port-o-potties, and small lines for the food. We got drinks out of the bins placed around the grounds, sat in the shade and dug into lunch. Did I expect a gourmet meal? No! The caterers are cooking for 1500+ people off-site. (I have had to stomach worse school lunches that are prepared on-site.)

Knowing that a band is always bigger on Tuesday, I again made sure to make my way to the front of the band, grab drinks and head to QRC. Once again, no problems.

ROAD EXPERIENCE

Security was on point Monday and Tuesday. Many people grumble about the situation on Aripita Ave; however, this by no means is the fault of the bands. The NCC is the one who needs to address the crowd control situation. Spice security did their best to deal with the narrowing space from the burgeoning crowd.

The music was also on point. I don’t stick up next to one music truck during the day. I didn’t hear any techno, but if I did I would have just moved on or hung back for another music truck. I didn’t mind the mix of ole time soca because I really didn’t need to hear ‘Thiefin’” for the five thousand-six hundred -and -eighty- sixth time.

As far as the bar running out of specific liquors, yes this is true. Did it bother me? Hell, no. On Tuesday afternoon, I sauntered up to one of the bars and asked for my customary rum and coke only to be told that they were out of rum. I didn’t stomp my way over to the next bar, I just asked for two vodka and cranberries instead. I don’t limit myself to just one drink on the road. I like my alcohol too, too much. If some one asks me if I’m drinking Carib, Stag, Guiness, Hennessy, 1919, or Johnny, I tell them all of the above. You pouring? I’m drinking. The bar girl was pouring vodka, so I was drinking vodka.

After having a blast with my fellow Spicers on Tuesday, I realized it was 5:30, the sun would be setting and the band was headed downtown to cross the stage. Despite the fabulous time we were having we decided it was time to say good-bye to Spice. Why?

• Unescorted women in bikini and beads need to get their a*% out of downtown before the sun sets.
• We were moving farther away from transportation and we had to get either a route or private taxi.
• The band left from Park and Charlotte and even if the band ended there, I still didn’t want to be in that area after dark on Carnival Tuesday. I don’t expect a personal escort from Spice or any other band I have played with.

A serious masquerader always takes responsibility for their enjoyment and safety on the road. I know that bandleaders have expectations to meet, but I have worked too hard for my money to have a bad time at Carnival. I need to take control of the situation and squeeze out every last cent of my hard earned money. I have never placed my carnival experience into the hands of the bandleaders whether it was Edmund, Wayne, Peter, or Anya. Have costume? Will jump!

My experience with Spice was that of an old married couple. On Saturday, we had a horrible fight at the Hilton, but great make-up sex on Monday and Tuesday!

Bachanal Mas Launches Traditions

click the flyer for details

The "Truth" Of TRIBE Toronto !!

Well here I was minding my business this afternoon, when in my inbox drops the following letter. After consulting my lawyer (yes I have legal counsel!) I was informed of the right that I have to publish the following letter:

"Please note that the content of this letter is deemed confidential between TRIBE Trinidad and the TMBA".- Dear Saucy,You cannot make someone hold a letter in confidence unless you have a signed confidentiality agreement between the two. Truth is a defense to libel and slander.If a journalist gets a leaked copy of "the truth" how will  they sue TRIBE for someone getting a hold of "the truth"?'.

I find it quite telling WHO is the TMBA President...afraid of competition now? And does this letter does not reek of bullying and intimidation? If I were a certain band I would be the one looking for legal counsel! Anyway, you read and be the judge. Long live "the truth"!

January 26, 2010

Toronto Mas Band Association

242 Braymore Blvd.

Scarborough, ON

M1K 2G8

Attention Dean Ackin &TRIBE

Re: TRIBE/TRIBE Toronto’s participation in Caribana 2010

We, the Toronto Mas Band Association (TMBA), the sole governing association for Mas bands in Toronto’s annual Caribana festival, are writing you, TRIBE (and your Toronto affiliate, TRIBE Toronto), to officially notify you that your participation in said festival under either band name or operating structure (i.e. TRIBE and/or TRIBE Toronto) has officially been denied with immediate effect.

First, let it be clearly known that the TMBA and FMC (Festival Management Committee), who jointly oversee a 40 year old festival that is world-renowned and has been clearly recognized as the largest festival in North America, annually attracting over 1 million attendees and generating in excess of $350 million (CDA) in revenue, are flattered that one of the biggest and most popular bands in the world has shown interest in participating in our festival. Also, let it be clearly stated that the aforementioned decision to “deny participation” was taken not from a “vindictive” or “malicious” perspective, but rather due to the failings of TRIBE Toronto to meet and adhere to clearly defined rules & regulations set forth by both organizations.

Whether such indiscretions are due to TRIBE’s lack of due diligence in properly assessing this venture or due to any misleading information from TRIBE Toronto’s management team, the fact is that there are clear, multiple and more importantly, extremely alarming breaches of both organizations’ (i.e. TMBA’s & FMC’s) rules & regulations. As such, this body was left with no alternative but to rule accordingly.

Second, as mentioned above, said decision is based solely on the overall lack of respect for and adherence to Caribana’s rules & regulations (as defined by both the TMBA and FMC). As our goal is to be as transparent an organization as possible, below is a shortlist of some of the major infringements perpetrated:

Effecting a Registered Band name change – for a registered member of the TMBA to effect a change in name (from the one officially registered with the association) for operating/advertising/ promotions purposes, this can only be accomplished by providing timely written notification to the TMBA and upon consideration/approval of the TMBA’s executive committee. In this particular case, neither was there any “official” letter communicated by Ken/Andre De Freitas (which on record is the official name of said band) to the TMBA, nor did any meeting of the executives take place to first discuss said name-change application and furthermore even approve it. As such the joint promotional efforts of TRIBE, TRIBE Toronto and Ken/Andre De Freitas that “TRIBE is coming to Toronto” are completely premature, misleading to the public, and in absolute violation of TMBA rules &a regs.

Government Funding – Caribana is a Canadian festival that is recognized and more importantly funded by 3 levels of government in Canada (i.e. the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and City of Toronto). Money is provided to the FMC and TMBA by these levels of government to run the festival and assist bands in offsetting costs. One of the keys aspects of accepting this funding is the presumption by these government arms that they are funding 100% Canadian entities with no “business arrangements/affiliations/agreements” with non-Canadian organizations. If found in violation of this fundamental stipulation, not only will the band in question be deemed to be potentially perpetrating “fraud” against these various government funding arms as well as the FMC, but it will also make the TMBA accessories to the fact and jeopardize the integrity of the festival and the association as a whole. In this instance, the openly stated and well-documented/advertised link and business relationship between TRIBE (from Trinidad & Tobago) and its franchised TRIBE Toronto (as seen on respective websites, press releases, social websites, logos, emails, listing of management team which includes TRIBE’s owner ‘Dean Ackin’, etc... just to name a few) means that this is once again in complete violation of both TMBA and FMC funding rules. In questioning Andre De Freitas during our January 23rd meeting, he was unable to convince the executive of the TMBA and its membership that TRIBE Toronto has “no affiliations to or business relationship with TRIBE (Trinidad)”. As a means of self-preservation and protecting the interests of the group as a whole, the TMBA has no other choice than to “deny participation” of said group.

Overall conduct of TRIBE Toronto: Participation in an event such as Caribana should never be taken for granted, no matter how big, successful or popular a band may be. Furthermore, carrying an air of arrogance and trying to blatantly deceive the membership and organizations that run the festival is unacceptable. What TRIBE Toronto has clearly demonstrated from the beginning is:

Lack of respect towards the festival - by trying to impose itself in a festival through circumventing basic rules and regulations, prematurely promoting a “non-existent/unregistered” band and thus misleading the public in Toronto, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago and the World, TRIBE/TRIBE Toronto has demonstrated a lack of respect to all the stakeholders of this festival. TRIBE/TRIBE Toronto has now placed itself and the festival in a precarious position and in many ways adversely impacted upon the mainly positive image the festival has worked extremely diligently on improving and portraying over the past few years.

Inappropriate conduct of TRIBE Toronto towards other bands - furthermore according to the TMBA rules and regs, no band can issue public threats to other bands on matters discussed in confidential association meetings. The message sent out via FaceBook on January 19th by Andre De Freitas (see screen below), the head of TRIBE Toronto and thus an official affiliate and representative of TRIBE (as listed on TRIBE’s own website) is not only clearly a threat to all official and registered TMBA members, but is also extremely inflammatory which if followed through on could eventually lead to libel and/or slander, and consequent legal action.

Blatantly trying to deceive the Executive Committee and its membership – in the aforementioned January 23rd TMBA meeting, Andre De Freitas was caught in a series of lies towards the TMBA and its membership stemming from the attempted “change of name” process of his band from “Ken & Andre De Freitas” to “TRIBE Toronto” and in also clarifying his business relationship with TRIBE. On the former matter (i.e. “change of name”), he lied to all present regarding his attempted name change and then proceeded to try and pass off a fraudulent document to the TMBA and its membership. On the latter matter (i.e. “business relationship”), Andre De Freitas stated: :

He has no official link in any capacity with TRIBE Trinidad...

He alone owns the brand TRIBE Toronto...

He can use any logo, including the jointly promoted “TRIBE Toronto” logo at any time and in any fashion as he owns that logo and the rights to use it in any form...

He and his father have full control of TRIBE Toronto, from designing all costumes to all other matters...

He told TRIBE Trinidad to remove TRIBE Toronto’s logo from their website because they have no right to use his logo as there is no link...

He has no member of TRIBE Trinidad on TRIBE Toronto’s committee/ management team...

These overtly false statements were immediately discredited by the TMBA due to previous communications by TRIBE Trinidad (e.g. website, press releases, etc...) and by TRIBE Toronto itself in its own messaging and listed management team etc... These appalling and farcical attempts to deceive the TMBA and its membership, and conversely the FMC and the various levels of Canadian government, as well as the general public have not only been to the detriment of the TRIBE Toronto brand name, but also knowingly or unknowingly associates and implicates you, TRIBE Trinidad (the brand owners), as willing participants in this deceit and web of lies.

After considering all matters at hand and events over the past couple of weeks, the TMBA has been left with very few options than to exercise its authority and “deny TRIBE/TRIBE Toronto participation in Caribana”. As a result, the TMBA would advise TRIBE/TRIBE Toronto to immediately “cease and/or refrain” from advertising that they are “coming to Caribana 2010”, remove all erroneous elements of this venture (including FaceBook pages, websites, printed materials, etc...) and release a public retraction indicating such.

Please note that the content of this letter is deemed confidential between TRIBE Trinidad and the TMBA. Should this letter or any part thereof be publicly used to attempt to discredit or slander the TMBA in any way shape or form, the TMBA would be required to seek advice with a view to pursue legal action against TRIBE and its franchise TRIBE Toronto. We anticipate that good business sense will prevail in said matter and all parties can carry on operating in an amicable and professional fashion.

For additional information I can be contacted at the following: saldenah@hotmail.com and c. 416.560.4419

Regards,

Louis Saldenah

TMBA President

The Carnival Rumour Mill!

I have been reliably informed that the breakaway band from Island People Mas will definitely be looking to venture into Carnival 2011. The persons involved in this new band have severed their affiliations with the formerly mentioned Island People and are currently looking for the hottest designers out there as they did not hold a "designer" position in Island People.Names like "Sandra", "Crystal" and "Ruana" are being whispered about as potential designers for said new band. I am liking the idea of using the young, forward thinking designers and this person certainly has the cash to fund a new band... but we all know money and costumes are only part of what makes a new band successful. Hopefully they learn from predecessors mistakes as I am quite interested to see how this new band fares and whose crowd they will pull.

In other Carnival news outside of Trinidad and Tobago, for those who were wondering looks like TRIBE Toronto is still in the works. Sources say they are scouting for designers and designs;however , the standard is pretty high. Looks like TRIBE Toronto wants to give you Trinidad quality costumes! You can check out the website as well.

And finally, one band for New York's Labor Day will be getting a touch from the dynamic duo (so much for taking the year off!) as I hear they will be doing the sexy designs for Ramajay Mas! Looking out for that one as well.

Skullduggery... Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2011

Skullduggery Mas.... "The Dance of Deceit".... Carnival 2011

Rumour is that this band is a collaboration between the two Peters, one being Peter Samuel... Peter Minshall fans are salivating at the thought that HE is the other Peter involved. However, I am more inclined to believe that this band will be comprised of individuals who consider themselves "children of The Mas Man" looking to pay tribute to Peter Minshall by doing what other critics of bikini mas have failed to do. Simply, if you do not like the direction the mas today is taking bring your own band to showcase the creativity you think is lacking!

I am really looking forward to seeing what Skullduggery brings!

New Band Alert 2011

Keep your eyes open for this one folks! I have been informed of a new MEDIUM sized band which will be making it's debut for Carnival 2011 and it is called GEMS.

No word on what theme is of this new band, but further details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Now, lets see how many new bands come on the scene for Carnival 2011..I am guessing the recession is over?!

Mas Jumbies Jouvert 2010 Review (3)

I decided to play with Brian Wong Won’s band Mas Jumbies after seeing pics of the 2010 presentation on Trinidad Carnival diary. I have been playing Jouvert for about 17 years now. My last band was Yellow Devils, so I am a new convert to the world of mas jumbies. The presentation was called L’echo and dealt with mas from the past, how interesting and refreshing from the typical t—shirt. I was anxious to try something fresh and different.

Registration

They have one of the slickest websites of any Jouvert band that I can remember. Very easy to navigate with lots of info and I really liked the historical stories attached to each costume. They offer online registration and that was a breeze, by the close of the day, I got an e-mail confirmation and costume receipt from Annette; so far so good with this aspect. We played in a section called Congo .

Costume Collection

We arrived in Trinidad a few days after the collection period, but the costume receipt said to call Lisa with regards to that. So I did, we were staying outside of POS and was trying to get directions from Lisa, when in one breath she asked where we were and told us not to worry, she will deliver by 5pm. I never had that offer in ANY band and for FREE! By 3pm, the 5 costumes were delivered by Lisa and I was so grateful for this. The costumes came packed very nicely in tissue paper in a medium size white canvas bag with black handels with the L’echo logo printed on it. WOW for presentation! Inside there was the wrist band, a package of Andrews and a Route map with a full color tourism map of T&T. Never got that in any band either! With the route marked out, we were then able to see it on the color map. The costume consisted of a straw hat, 2 necklaces, orange waits band, white cotton shorts with the logo printed on and a white vest. And that only cost US$57; value for the money if you ask me. Perfect! Excited already!

Jouvert Morning

Got there at 3.45am and saw a large group of masqueraders, but no music truck, I now began to get a bit worried. I learnt later that all music trucks were being searched by the Police in St. James and this is where their trucks were coming from. In the meantime one of the band management put on his radio in his car and that sufficed, especially now that they began serving hops & ham (imported ham, I must add), salt fish buljol and bake with hot spiked Irish Coffee. It was all very good. We also had the opportunity to apply the white body paint. Within 10 min, we were asked to take a short walk to Phillips Street , as the Police would not allow the truck into the Victoria Sq area. A very short walk it was less than 5 min and there was our 40ft music truck parked with music playing. We were off in less than 10 min and the vibes were awesome, there was a family spirit that permeated this band, like a group of family and close friends at a reunion. I loved it! We were made very much welcomed. At this time the Drinks truck was not with as us it too was caught in the St. James melee, but that was ok as the hot coffee and generous sandwiches satisfied. The music was excellent!

By the time we reached Richmond Street , the drinks truck found us and we were on for the South Quay stage! The beer was cold like ice and drinks flowed abundantly. I was such in a hipped up spirit now with the awesome vibes and music, the customer service only sweetened the mix. I was ready for the stage! The stage is something that I never experienced for Jouvert, so this was a first as was going downtown. But I and my little crew felt safe and there was a certain comradely in the band too that I have never really experienced in other bands. Everyone was friendly and smiled, a very happy band we were.

The costumes looked awesome compared to the typical Jouvert band and the price was cheaper than those other bands and with more content. The section Danse looked awesome and there were 3 “frontline” ladies with full skirts that just looked spectacular! Danse was in hot pink, white and a dark yellow, I think they were the largest section in the band. Our section Congo also looked good in our supplied white paint and silver glitter. They were also 4 Piebanas (think that is the name) that were at the front, they also looked spectacular; and were different from the rest of the band as they had full facemasks in black, their long cloth strips just billowed in the wind. This band was FUNNNN! And looked awesome on the road.

As we got to the stage the Ausie DJ came on and we palanced in STYLE on South Quay! As mentioned before they were 3 Australian girls that were a joy to watch, as “dem could wine”! Lord Father! They wine on everything that they saw, and keep up that momentum till we ended at around 9am. Most of the band seems to be foreigners and Trinis living abroad (myself included) as well as locals with a broad cross section of races and professions; in essence a microcosm of T&T. By the time we reached Broadway, I was drained, but the Drinks Truck was right there with a cold beer and a salt-fish buljol sandwich. Next step as it seems would be The Greens…DE WHA? Yes child we going behind De Bridge. I had strong reservations on going there, but you know the vibe, music and customer service was so stellar that I said I would “chance” it. What a wuss I was, as going there was one of the best experiences of my life. None of that negative ness was there, the people there were great and very nice, as we had some stormers who joined the band. By passing there, this band took on a certain spirit and it was like the residents were appreciative for us coming there in a band that was inspired from this same area. Our band felt quite at home and was treated as such. WOW! The vibes were especially high and all negative reservations were palanced out as we crossed the stage behind the bridge. Of special note were the 3 Ausie girls and the guy who managed the paint cart, at one time he chased down a group of Chinese construction workers as they watched. That was hilarious as they scattered like ants from the white paint he had in his hand. Ah tell de band was fun.

We continued to Charlotte Street and even crossed the Savannah stage, ending around Stanmore Ave around 9ish. NO ONE wanted to go home, it was that GOOD. I could have played with them the whole day!

I must send a special thanks to Brian and the Mas Jumbie Management team for providing the best Jouvert I ever had and for carrying me back to carnival’s roots behind the bridge. It was both a magical and spiritual experience from Phillips Street to Stanmore Avenue . You will definitely see me in 2011 for another life changing and inspiring Jouvert experience.

The Rise Of The Male Divo....

DIVO
A male diva. Considerably since o is for men and a is for women. Like chico and chica.
Male models who have good looks and a killer bod have become so divo.
Urban Dictionary

Someone pointed out to me that this year saw an unprecedented number of male Individuals in all bands for Carnival 2010, as well as the male version of the “backline individual”. I am guessing since the regular male costumes just do not cut it for ALL men, yes some want more than just a pair of board shorts, the alternative for men looking for REAL mas is to either go big with an Individual costume or jazz up what they were given with extras such as a collar… or more.

So, we now have males sporting wings to rival a Victoria Secrets model, corsets a la Lady Gaga and looking even more fierce than some female Individuals accessorized down to matching boots, airbrushing and gems! I tell you the men REALLY get into the Div-o role!

Do you think this trend is here to stay and would you support bands offering male masqueraders

1.The Option of a Male Frontline and 2. Costume Extras, including larger headpieces, which they can purchase to their costume in lieu of just the generic costume?

"Male Backline Individuals"

Male Individuals in Spice

Male Individuals in Harts

Male Individuals in TRIBE

Men In Tights.....

What say ye at these specimen of men in the Carnival version of the speedo.... yay or nay?

Please note pics # 3 and 5 removed by request!
Sorry guys, go look it up on triniscene.com....cannot miss the bronze shorts in Spice's Adulis !

Here We Go Again

So, after last year's theme vs theme battle between Spice and TRIBE (TRIBE initially was going with the Silk Road only to be trumped by Spice's The Spice Route) I knew this was coming.

Following my blog announcement of "Warriors" for 2011 by TRIBE and "Amazoni Savage" for 2011 by Spice, word is that BOTH bands have now changed their themes.

Really, are we back to playing secret sleuth for 2011 AGAIN?

Only time will tell, but at this stage you really have to admire D Krewe, Island People and Ronnie & Caro for not only announcing their theme early but also for not caring about what other bands are doing.. I am just saying.

To me the secret sleuth between TRIBE and Spice just makes it seem like one is afraid of the other... hmmm!

Ronnie and Caro 2010 Review (3)

Hello,

I am an overseas masquerader and Imust say that my experience with this band has been excellent from start to finish.

When I first checked out their website and required info, I emailed them and I received a reply from someone within 24hours. Good sign

I arrived in Trinidad on carnival Thursday and didnt collect my costume until Saturday but that process was a breeze. My friend and I were in the section Firebirds and the costumes in person were beautiful . The red and orange and yellow just......speechless!!! However our backpacks and the items included (condoms and detergent samples) were crap. We received tank tops and caps for Monday wear.

On the road both days was fun! the drinks were flowing and as far as i know the bar never ran out. the lunch was so so but breakfast on tuesday was really good. There were plenty snacks on Tuesday too but lunch took way too long to be served (after 4pm!) The music was excellent. The security and section leaders kept the various sectios very organized especially when it was time to cross the Savannah. I think my biggest complaint as a female was that there weren't enough men to wine up on ;)

This was my first Carnival and I will return and I will have NO problem playin mas with Ronnie & Caro again!

Oh, I forgot to mention that with the band being medium sized, we were not crammed and jammed up on Tuesday. We had sufficient space to get on bad.

The Global Review 2010 Army Fete, Tribe Ignite, Insomnia, Yellow Devils and Mas with Dkrewe

Army Fete - the driest fete around?

I will try keeping the fete ones short and sweet.Army Fete is normally a nice cheap Fete to get my Carnival energy going, however after this years experience I was left feeling a little deflated in a word the fete was DRY!Strange crowd, UN enthusiastic Artists and Bands performing left me thinking is this what I paid my money for???

I made it to the bar once to buy a bottle of rum and some cokes the usual party pack after 45 mins I still had not been served along with many others, who were completely frustrated, on top of this I had stinking peoples arm pits in my face, big mampies pushing on top of me and the usuals who couldn’t wait their turn to be served pushing up in your personal space. An hour later I was served and any little piece of vibes I had was completely gone! 2 hours later after Karma came on and annoyed the hell out of my ears I was gone.

Fete Rating 2 /10

Tribe Ignite – Thank God For Tribe!

Ok after a lot of liming and full crew arriving in TNT we was ready to party, the night began with the usual getting ready and drinking at our apartment, we hired a Maxi to drop us and collect us after this proved fruitful 14 drunken people at 3am!

So upon approaching Jenny’s Car Park we could already feel the vibes in the air, as we line up to enter the Venue we were greeted by the most pleasant Security and Door staff for the first time I didn’t feel violated upon entry.

As we made our way through we received some merchandise, a cup, whistle light thingy and a few other bits, we then progressed to the bar again polite friendly staff willing to serve you! I’m liking this service, I have to point out Tribe is a drink inclusive event and they had about 5 times as much bar space as Army fete which is about 3 times the size of Tribes even, I don’t think I waited longer than 30 seconds to be served.

As we made our way down the front the vibes was nice nice! One band was just coming off and the DJ just started playing he was real good kept the vibes going all night, as he finished Kees the band came on and rocked the place some more, needless to say anything after that is a blur to me at 3am ish we left or should I say staggered still dancing to meet our ride.

Only down side to the fete is some of the people are wayyyyyyy to stush and were almost scared to even tap their foot and were scorning the people who were having a good time.

Fete Rating 10+/10

Insomnia – No Water? Say it aint so?

I’m going to keep this real short and sweet

I didn’t like this fete at all no WATER = NO INSOMNIA and what they did with VIP was a joke I can understand a half split with a fence to divide the stage but a diagonal split so general have the view of a fence??? That was out of order, had I known Insomnia would not have WATER I would not have made the journey.

Fete Rating 1/10

Yellow Devils – Never Again

Registration:

A Breeze, just had to pop down to Flam Couture on the Avenue and register all my people this year I had about 30 registrations so was there for a while, I did this 3 weeks before collection.

Collection:

I had a text informing me of collection times which did not make sense as it went something like this ticket numbers 1-99 9am til 10am 100-199 10am til 11am and so on until they reach 1000 odd……Now I had 3 different sets of numbers some were morning and some were afternoon collections.So I decided to go to the afternoon collections to be safe, upon arrival at Flam Couture, I see on big arse queue outside the door, now I have never experienced this normally I would walk in and collect as a big group my stuff is always put together.

So I join the line in the HOT sun no shade no water nothing, I realise people in this line are not only there to collect but also register too which don’t make no sense, anyway after 30 minutes of standing I was ushered into the pokey little shop, my tickets were taken again guys 30 packages I collecting and booked way in advance, to my surprise nothing was ready, now I don’t work for Yellow Devils yet I had to resort to helping the lady pack and organise my packages most the T-Shirts and Baby Tees I ordered in advance were not available now so I had to hustle and get them to take out of other peoples bags or make do with what they had.

1 hour later I finally made it out of that lil shop, I would love to know how a band that has 1500 plus people in it distribute on Carnival Saturday from an 8ft by 15ft shop space. Makes no sense.

Ok so drama over, its Jouvert morning 3am we supposed to meet the band we roll up more like 4am hyped and ready to go, now Yellow devils had improved for 2009 I wanted to see what changes they had made for 2010? Well here are the changes versus 2009:

• Less Bars

• More People

• Less Paint

• No Paint Bottles

• A Music Truck you had to be right under to hear the music

• Poor Security

Now i'm a person who for Jouvert I can make do with a lot of issues in a band but I feel this year Yellow Devils took the biscuit, and like Spice are laughing all the way to the bank! But yet I still managed to enjoy myself. 2011 I will be looking else where so that’s 30 plus people you have lost Yellow Devils!

Rating 3/10

Dkrewe Monday and Tuesday – Change is Good

Registration:

We registered between September and January, Dkrewe’s online system was a breeze followed with payments made by Western Union, Registrations were followed up with an email or phone call from Akeisha to confirm sizes and payment etc.

9/10

Collection:

Our collection was advertised for Wednesday 10th and was changed to Thursday 11th due to the male collar pieces not arriving from sanfernando, not a problem we came back Thursday and collected costumes from Hawk, Comancheros and Passion, I would have to say this year Dkrewe’s headdresses were on point, well made and finished just as good as the prototype if not better, the only thing I will say is have people distributing costumes who know where the pieces should be worn on the body, this is also the first year I got my costume and didn’t have to do any additions to it! So I was happy. We collected 16 costumes and was in and out in about 1hour and 30mins including payment process.

7/10

Carnival Monday:

Now me I aint a real Carnival Monday person, I’m normally wrecked from Jouvert and this year was no different, I was having a lil chip by de truck, sipping mainly lucozade or water no alcohol on Monday for me, after the shaky start and some issue with the trucks which were resolved on Aripitia Ave we were looking good and people were having a time, Mr World-class you were my truck for Monday he dropped tunes I aint hear for time as well as all the latest and kept that tune Palance to a minimum thank god! As we headed down town lunch was served from the truck, and it was HOT! It was a piece of fried chicken breast, served with salad in a bun nice. After we hit downtown judging I walked home for the day, Savannah Stage don’t do it for me anymore I reached home at about 5pm and began preparations for Tues before getting an early night.

8/10

Carnival Tuesday:

I woke up at 4am, having to do make up for 4 ladies staying with us and also some guys faces too, by 7am we were ready to leave the house and I have to say looking hot!We ordered a taxi to take us to the avenue where we were meeting the rest of our crew, as we walked up the Avenue in our full costumes Bonnets and all we were already being asked for photos and we had a few comments, I did hear one comment “oh Tribe already did that section years ago” now come on guys Tribe was not the first nor the last to do an Indian Mas i’m sure we will see it for 2011 again!

Anyway upon arrival at the bands meeting point we were told to head to the School across the street for breakfast, we had choices for breakfast too! Either Ham, Chicken, Fish or Veggie options also had fruit and juices as well. Having the school as a breakfast point was great they had tents and seating so you could finish last minute touch ups.

8am sharp we were on the move and the band was looking good, sections that stood out for me were, Comancheros, Hawk, Rainforest and Kindred Spirit. The band was bigger than the first year I played but not too big we had 3 trucks, Traffik, Mr World-class and some next one that was not very good plus a riddim section.

As we made our way down the avenue we did not see one band in front of us so it was plain sailing all the way through to Downtown Judging, by this time I was fully charged and ready to hit the stage i’m glad not only palance was played on this stage and I well enjoyed Downtown Judging.

As the band made its was to the lunch point I was still ready to party, Lunch was nice BBQ Chicken, Vegetable Rice, Mash Potatoes, Plantain and Vegetables and it was served at a decent temperature, the bar stayed with us so we could get cold drinks and the sound trucks continued to play some serious tunes whilst we were resting, this was a nice day so far, the rest stop was short but I appreciated that I can't take this 2 hour stop business I experienced with Tribe in 2007 kills the vibes! We were back on the move and ready to roll; as we hit Charlotte St at about 4:30-5pm it was madness bumper to fender traffic! I said to myself I had a great day and would stay with the band for another hour or so and head home as it was close by and if after I shower I can make it out I will.

All in all I had a blast with Dkrewe!

Positives:

• Polite but Firm Security

• Clean Toilets (that men could use)

• Traffik and Mr World Class (better sound trucks)

• Food

• Vibes

• Roped off Band

Negatives:

• Costume Overall Quality

• Distribution

• Bars ( need another bar )

Overall I give Dkrewe a 7/10

Smaller Band, Higher Prices... Are You Game?

So, a question was posed to me in light of all the criticism by TRIBE masqueraders that the band has now grown uncomfortably large and that they would ideally prefer a smaller band. What if TRIBE decides to cut the number of masqueraders in the band by 30% and RAISE costume prices by 30% as well; would you pay the increased price for a smaller band?

In numbers a 30% decrease in masqueraders would mean a reduction from the average number of 5000 to 3500. And a 30% price increase would mean male costumes going from average $3000.00TT to $3900.00TT, female backline costume going from average $3500.00TT to $4550.00TT and Frontline from average $5500.00 to $7150.00TT.

If this price increase would GUARANTEE numbers in TRIBE do NOT cross 3500 masqueraders, will you be willing to pay it? And what conditions would you expect to improve , or not, for increased costume prices?  Leave your opinions and thoughts in a comment below.

2010 Trinidad Carnival - Break Biche

Greetings peeps, Kermit here bringing you sights from Break Biche 2010. For those of you who read my commentaries from last year, you will know that I gave this fete a very high rating and I fully expected to repeat the winery in 2010, however, this was a different year and apparently a different fete. Now don’t get me wrong, the fete ended up being every bit as wild as the 2009 version, it just took a bit longer to achieve the critical mass that is required for true wildness and it was the good old DMV posse that provided the spark this night. (By the way, DMV = District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia.)

After feteing all night at Ignite then catching a quick disco nap before setting sail on Silent Morning, we were starting to drag a bit. After leaving the Treasure Queen (and mashing up a pile of chicken in KFC) the crew only had time to shower and we were back on the road to Break Biche in Club Tsunami. We arrived as the sun was setting and Surface was jamming hard (or doing their equivalent to jamming hard) so you know the vibes were, how shall I say, in short supply. No matter, we could fortify ourselves with some liquid vibes until the sound vibes excited us and although it took several hours to feel the wildness return, once it did, it was back with a vengeance.

It started on a table…..

That is all.

Enjoy the pics peeps, SunnySide Up is next.

Showdown With Showtime....

So, it was brought to my attention that there is some bacchanal brewing on Facebook, no less, between a former disgruntled Showtime empolyee and the band Showtime. Check out the following allegations being made by said former employee, that posted to facebook yesterday:

Miss KArima Mckenzie-Thomas of MINX Entertainment built and has been administrating this profile since before the Showtime Trinidad Launch on August 23rd 2009.

She was a "part" of the band, having left in 2008 and being aligned with Kaotic Mas band, and being asked back by Mr. Ricardo Lewis, Mr. Damien Leach, Mr. Leon Bain, and Mr. Godfrey Enile (Band leader) for carnival 2010.

She left the band AGAIN after their launch in August 2009 due to disagreement with the lack of systems in the way the band conducts their affairs, and about a month later, Mr. Godfrey Enile asked her once again to return and provide her services to the band.

Ms. Mckenzie-Thomas made the decision after the fiasco that was Carnival 2010 - masqueraders getting costumes on Carnival Monday, no headpieces for many of them, late food, no breakfast on Tuesday until lunch, spoilt or improperly prepared lunch, bad treatment of her DJs, etc etc, to leave the band, and she was asked to surrender the facebook password and the email address she had created to register the account.

At that point, she invoiced Showtime Trinidad at a rate of $1200 per month for her time, effort, and creativity in administrating this profile from August to mid February 2010.

She had to call Mr. Enile repeatedly and was finally told in a rush on March 01st, that she would not be paid.

Later that week, Ms. Mckenzie-Thomas realised that the Showtime Trinidad people had copied the profile she had built over the months, word for word, picture for picture....every full stop, slash, and smiley face.

During that week also, her DJs began calling her to complain that they were seeking to get their payment as agreed, and were being given a run around.

At THAT point, the facebook campaign began, to embarass Showtime Trinidad into standing their debts.

Approximately 5 minutes ago, Mr. Godfrey Enile called Ms. Mckenzie-Thomas' phone, she did not answer. He left a message saying that he is "thinking Lawyer", because he is getting fed up.

Fed up of WHAT EXACTLY Mr.Enile???

You and your people thought that you could treat me and the MINX Entertainment family anyway you wanted, treat the masqueraders any way you wanted and WHAT???? Get away scotch free??

Unfortunately for you and your organisation Mr. Enile, I have been down this road one too many times, and you are the straw that broke the camel's back.

I WILL NOT roll over!!!!

Waste a lawyer's time!!! PLEASE...BE MY GUEST!!!

KArima Mckenzie-Thomas

Founder and Director of MINX Entertainment

For more of this drama on Facebook (the comments are priceless) you can visit the Showtime Trinidad Carnival-Band versus ShowTime Mas-Band. It is never nice to see dirty laundry aired in public, however it is quite entertaining!