Blondie Bird and Friends dominates CDC prize-giving ceremony

At the recently held Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) prize-giving ceremony, mas band Blondie Bird and Friends made an almost clean sweep of the awards handed out for achievements attained during the 2012 Carnival season.{{more}}

At the ceremony, held last Wednesday at the Methodist Church Hall, Hugh Raguette, president of the Carnival Bands Association, said that the mas band’s performance had contributed to a season that was “marked by notable achievement”.

The mas band, sponsored by Guinness, Y de Lima and Hitz 103.7, won the following: Junior Mas Individuals (10 – 15 yrs); Best Junior Section; Junior Queen of Carnival; Junior King of Carnival; Junior Band of the Year; Junior Uptown competition; Sections from the Bands; Individuals of the Year; Queen of the Bands; King of the Bands; Mardi Gras — best use of colour; Mardi Gras — uptown competition; and Mardi Gras — Band of the Year.

It also placed second in the Junior Mas Individuals (5 – 9 years) section.

Raguette also made mention of Sion Hill Euphonium, who joined the leagues of only three bands in the history of the steel pan competition to score a beaver trick, and soca artiste Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd, who became the first woman to win three titles in the song competitions.

Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC, acknowledged that there were challenges encountered in the running of carnival shows this year, but insisted that the overall result was above satisfactory.

“Vincy Mas 2012 was a success!” he said.

Ambrose further added that the organisation is already putting measures into action that will assist in “ironing out” any hiccoughs, in preparation for Vincy Mas 2013.

“We wish to give as flawless a package as possible,” he assured.

Ambrose also made an appeal to private promoters to work with the organisation instead of against it, asking them not to schedule their events on dates that clash with CDC shows.

“CDC shows take priority,” he said. “That’s not us being autocratic; that’s just how it is.”

Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil McKie also gave brief remarks. He assured the public that Vincy Mas is in “good hands” and predicted that next year’s celebration will be an even more successful production.

McKie also called on the business sector to “come forward in a more meaningful way,” in terms of sponsorship of carnival bands and activities.

“What we saw in 2012 was all the components of what should be mas really coming together!” he insisted. “It allows us to truly showcase St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hugh Raguette echoed McKie’s prediction that Carnival next year would be even better.

“I want to assure you, in 2013 look out for the mas!”(JV)