VincyMas In Focus

We are approaching the climax of VincyMas ’25 with the major activities taking place this weekend right up to“Mardi Gras” next Tuesday.

Mentioning the name “Mardi Gras” leads me into reflecting how, in an age when all over the Caribbean we clamour for more localisation of our Carnival activities, the old colonial Carnival names still reign supreme in our promotions. From Carnival Sunday until last lap next Tuesday, we have grand French names for our major activities – Dimanche Gras, Jouvert and Mardi Gras. It would be more than useful for those who do commentary on radio and television to learn the significance for these terms and be able to relay them to listeners.

More than useful it will be too, if some commentators would take time to learn how to pronounce these terms correctly. There are too many people nowadays being catapulted into public commentary who not only mispronounce words and names but also seem ignorant to the significance of the events on which they are doing commentary. It certainly does not lift the level of our broadcast; we must aim at the highest standards.

In commenting on public broadcast of carnival events, it is important that those who undertake such responsibility always remember that they are tasked with conveying the spirit of carnival to all those listening or viewing, not those already at the events. It was therefore most disappointing when some apparent technical problems plagued the broadcast of the Junior Calypso show on Tuesday with little attempt either to explain or apologize until well into the event. Many of these junior calypso singers are first-timers and their parents and families at home look forward to hearing them. Also, imagine the ordeal to which a first timer is subjected when asked to sing over the calypso. It is time not only that we get it right, but that we treat our audience with utmost respect. We must also never lose sight of the fact that radio and television broadcast have a tremendous responsibility for helping to create the atmosphere for a successful Carnival.

On a positive note, it is most encouraging to see at least two of our local bands paying tribute to past standard bearers and pioneers of our Festival. It was to be expected that Players International would do so in memory of its bedrock, Julian ‘Pilling’ Pollard, who passed away so tragically during the 2024 season.

Kudos to them! We should also welcome, in the same vein, Blondie Bird and Friends’ presentation paying tribute to past icons of the art form. How good and noble is this gesture! It ensures that we treasure the memory of the likes of Raymond “Fuzzy” Knights whose immortal presentations not only focused on our flora and fauna but paved the way for Nelson Bloc; and Lennox “Scully” Hunte, master craftsman and pioneering bandleader himself. Could we look forward to more in this vein, recalling others like Roy “Dragon” Ralph, Edison “Sheggy” John etc? Let us fully utilize the opportunity to promote our history and culture.

Sometime before the official start of festivities, local organisers announced that they had come to agreement with private promoters about a common approach to promoting VincyMas and coordinating activities. This was a positive development, for while the initiative of the private promoters is essential especially in attracting foreign participation, the CDC has the overwhelming responsibility for ensuring a conducive atmosphere in which the festival can thrive. These two aspects must complement each other to ensure the success and continued development of our precious festival, today an essential element of our tourism strategy.

Thus, while the private promoters play a key role in attracting participation from outside, it is the CDC and its interaction with local actors which guarantees a conducive atmosphere and bring people into capital,

Kingstown for the climax of the festival. Some local initiatives such as the easing of restrictions on opening hours for carnival street bars will be particularly welcome. Those street bars were instituted when the carnival changeover was initiated in 1977 and were essential ingredients in the VincyMas atmosphere. They were particularly welcome by visitors and returning Vincies on holiday who could afford to fete all night and sleep for most of the day, being on vacation.

Which brings me to the issue of the 50 th anniversary of that historic 1977 changeover. It might look like some distance away, but we must plan to seize every opportunity to maximize the attractiveness of our Carnival. We now have fierce but friendly rivalry from our neighbours with at least four neighbouring festivals following us within a month or so.

2027 marks the Golden Anniversary of VINCYMAS. Let us honour it with gilt-laden planning and execution!