Vincy Mas officially launches tomorrow

When the official launch of the 40th anniversary of Vincy Mas takes place tomorrow, what will be noticeably absent from the programme of activities is the various New Song competitions.

But, the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) says that the launch, which will be held at Carnival City, Victoria Park, will be jampacked with exciting performances by a number of FLOW soca artistes, dubbed “Heavy Hitters”.

These artistes include Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle and Rondy “Luta” McInstosh. Also scheduled to perform are “Ozari”, “Flanka”, “Fya Empress” and “Skarpyon”.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of the CDC Ashford Wood said that 40 years ago some very brave men and women took a very brave step to move St Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival from the pre-lenten season in February to June/July.

“Since then, it has evolved and today we refer to it as Vincy Mas, the hottest Carnival in the Caribbean,” said Wood, while encouraging persons to come out to the launch of the festival on Saturday.

He said that persons who have travelled and looked at other festivals must agree that the theme that Vincy Mas has maintained, “is a very true one”.

Adams said that this year Vincy Mas is marking 40 years and it is being celebrated in fine style with a number of big shows, which include tomorrow’s launch.

He said that the artistes who have been carrying Vincy Mas for the last decade will be at the launch tomorrow and this guarantees a huge show.

Persons are being encouraged to wear their Monday band T-shirts from years gone by. Apart from the heavy hitters who will be present during the Victoria Park segment of the launch, “DJ Donovan” and “DJ Fugitive” will provide music, while the 2017 Miss SVG contestants will make their first public appearance. Patrons who pay EC$10 to enter the park will also get a glimpse of the various mas bands taking part in Mardi Gras this year.

Apart from Victoria Park, there will be launch activities that start from 10 a.m. tomorrow. Whistle stops will be held on both the Leeward and Windward sides of the island. Xtreme 104.3 FM will handle the Windward side, while Hitz 103.7 FM will provide entertainment on the Leeward side.

The FLOW promenade on Halifax Street will also be filled with activities, as 13 junior soca and calypso performers have already confirmed participation in a mini concert. Steel pan music and a number of soca artistes will also entertain on the promenade.

After the action on the promenade ceases, the celebration train/street parade will take place and will see the

various components take to the streets.

Expected to patrol the streets are pan-around-the-neck musicians, “Boosie Back”, stilt men, mas men and the 2017 Miss St Vincent and the Grenadines contestants, among others. Former Miss SVG contestants will also take part in the parade, while the winners from the various competitions over the last 40 years will be on the Carnival Development Corporation’s (CDC) float.

During the parade, disc jockey “Jude the Cool Dude” will entertain with music from the past 40 years of Carnival.