Carnival off to thumping start

The various components, as well as the organizers and supporters of the “Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean” turned out in full force, as Vincentians welcomed the start of another season of Vincy Mas.{{more}}

Last Saturday May 2nd, the streets of Kingstown were alive with a taste of what may be in store between June 26th and July 7th, as festivities to mark the official launch of Carnival kicked off at Heritage Square and The Chamber of Commerce Car Park.

Pan music by panorama champions Sea Operations Starlift, along with costumes from various bands, some J’Ouvert action and calypso, soca and extempo music were present at the launching, with most attention being paid to the eight contestants vying for the prestigious Miss SVG 2009 title.

Minister of Culture René Baptiste, Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation Dennis Ambrose, along with head of the Vincy Homecoming Committee Ambassador Ellsworth John addressed the thousands who converged at the car park to take in the kick-off of the country’s largest cultural festival.

They called on patrons to show support for the more than 15 events, beginning on May 30th, and to make the most of a drug and crime free carnival.

Carnival sponsors LIME and The National Lotteries Authority also addressed the gathering, reaffirming their support to the festivities.

Earlier in the day, the focus was at Heritage Square, where a cultural package was put on by the CDC, featuring music from a number of artistes, ring games, food and a cultural exhibition.

The day began with motorcades of dj’s and performing artistes making their way from the Leeward and Windward sides of the island into the capital, ending with a one lap ‘jump up’ around Kingstown. (JJ)