Carnival – energy overload

Tue Jul 01, 2014

Editor: Carnival is the time of the year when we really show the world our true level of independence and our pride in being Vincy. The classical party animal may be seen dancing on the streets to the sweet Vincy soca music, while dressed in a locally made costume. He or she may also be drinking a locally made beer and at the end of the party, stop to eat a nice piece of Vincy roast pork.{{more}} Certainly this scenario reminds us that we have some level of sufficiency. But, beyond the glitter of Carnival, what really fascinates me is the positive energy which it creates. The question worth considering is: How can we as individuals or collectively as a state, effectively sustain this energy throughout the year, thereby transforming our lives and livelihood for the better?

Let me take your minds to Carnival Sunday and Monday or J’Ouvert morning period. From my vantage point this is one of the times when Carnival enthusiasts do not sleep. One can get public transport on the mainland, at any time during this period to journey into capital Kingstown for the primary purpose of enjoying the Carnival festivities, even in the pouring rain. This environment not only allows for entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into money making ventures, but at the end of the day it appears that the spirit of happiness and energy overload permeates Kingstown.

Let me focus on Carnival Monday jam in Kingstown – the author refers to this time as a splendid marketing strategy utilized by commercial entities in conjunction with soca artistes to capture the heart and minds of the populace. The leverage from such team work no doubt results into a ‘win win’ relationship for all parties and everyone goes home happy with a feeling of being energized.

And finally on Carnival Tuesday; it is during this period that one can see the explosion of colours through the creative imaginations of band leaders and designers and listen to sweet pan music. When all is said and done, it is business usual.

Having looked at some of the salient features of our Carnival festivities and a few outcomes, the author is proposing that such creative imaginations and the explosion of energy which characterize Carnival be transferred into sustainable business models and community initiatives all year round, thus creating an environment where the public transportation system is required throughout the day and also at nights. Certainly lives and livelihoods will be expected to change for the better; thus the populace should be extremely happy and energized all year round.

It’s all about spreading the good Carnival energy throughout the year.

Neri James