All systems go: CDC and CBA reach deal

The final hurdle standing in the way of agreement between the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) and the Carnival Bands Association (CBA) has been cleared and all systems are ‘go’ for the Mas On The Move carnival show.{{more}}

According to president of the CBA Hugh Ragguette at Monday’s press conference, the impasse has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties, and the association will be working along with the corporation in order to realize a successful event.

Ragguette said that the association fully supports the CDC, and its continued commitment to Vincy Mas.

In the preceding address by the chairman of the CDC, Ambrose chided members of the CBA for giving information to the media, before matters were dealt with in house.

He equated that as an act of holding the CDC at ransom.

Speaking on the two other major mas events, Ragguette said that he was looking forward to early starts in the Junior Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations.

He expects the ‘Kiddies Carnival’ slated for June 30th to kick off promptly at 1pm, and encourages parents to be at the mas camps by 10am.

The July 10th event is scheduled to commence at ten in the morning and Ragguette encouraged senior masqueraders to be on time.

He suggested that the masqueraders were usually late because of the street jump up that takes place the night before. He called on the relevant authorities to end the Monday jump up earlier to allow revelers to get to the Victoria Park earlier.

The call was also made for persons not in mas bands, to refrain from joining the masqueraders while on the street for uptown judging.

Ragguette said that the mas players, especially the juniors only have one opportunity to ‘play mas’, and that persons invading the bands only take away from the revelry.(JJ)