Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
South masqueraders arrived late as usual in San Fernando yesterday, but the wait was worth it as they dazzled in all their splendour, showcasing not only creativity but exceptional use of recycled materials in their designs.
Unlike the 2024 Carnival route along Lady Hailes Avenue and to King’s Wharf, the masqueraders were judged in front of the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) after going down from Cipero Street.
Jagessar Costumes’ portrayal of Red Clouds Over the South was the first band to cross the stage, and while their traditional Fancy Indian costumes were well received, the band appeared to be smaller in size. Southern Mas Associates’ Fancy Indians followed next at 1.35 pm, while Kyrool Mohammed’s Fancy Indian portrayal of Apache New Generation was the third band to cross.
A proud San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris noted the growing participation in South mas, calling this year’s celebration one of the best yet.
“We want to improve and have bleachers as well next year but remember everything comes at a cost. Corporate citizens supported San Fernando Carnival. Keep in mind we’ve been planning for the last three months. The success of J’Ouvert, Pan and Powder was evident. Everyone has done their part,” he said.
He noted the growing participation in Midnight Mas.
“Last night we had the biggest midnight mas in the history of San Fernando, which finished at 2 am. I’m certain that affected the start of mas today as well,” he added, noting that despite the challenges he was satisfied.
He said the death of masquerader Selwyn Little on Carnival Monday was tragic.
“The incident with Mr Selwyn Little put a damper on Carnival. It was sad that he lost his life, and I’m sending condolences to his family,” he said.
Meanwhile, San Fernando City Corporation Arts and Culture chairman, councillor Ryaad Hosein, said he was impressed with the quality of bands.
“We had 16 bands, and they are beautiful, well-manufactured. They may be small, but they are effective,” he said.
He added: “There’s been a rejuvenation of people using recycled materials. The Midnight Mas was a hit—everything is rejuvenating in San Fernando.”
He also noted that band leaders worked with corporate sponsors and suggested that next year, the criteria for judging could be changed to encourage recycling.
Hosein praised the quality of ole mas and mentioned efforts to involve primary and secondary schools in promoting traditional mas.
Meanwhile, as Alvin Maynard and Friends crossed the stage, a special tribute was paid to Little. Maynard described him as a true sailor stalwart.
“He represented his band, and mas was his thing. When he put on his sailor uniform, he was a real general. What happened was so sad,” Maynard said.
Chief judge Ancil Rooplal also commended the quality of mas but noted that the number of feather mas seemed to be getting smaller.
“I think we need to pass this on to students in schools because we do not want to lose the tradition of feather mas and placard mas,” he said.
Meanwhile, ACP Wayne Mystar also lauded South Carnival, noting it was incident-free except for the tragedy involving Little. He noted that in Cedros there were over 5,000 people for J’Ouvert and in Barrackpore and Couva, J’Ouvert saw over 10,000 participants. Mystar pointed out that spectators did not have seating accommodations but noted that new strategies would be tried to improve next year’s carnival.
He added, “Apart from the raids on J’Ouvert, no weapons were seized. As we go into the last lap, we are asking people to desist from carrying weapons to Carnival.”
Samantha Richards, one of the TUCO judges, said while San Fernando mas was late, the quality was good. She also said that Machel Montano seemed to be in the lead for Road March, followed by Bunji Garlin.
“People seem to love D Pardy, and I think the words resonate with people who’ve been working the whole week,” she said.
Pamela Farrell Reyes, another Road March judge, was taken aback by the late arrival of bands, saying San Fernando could increase the number of masqueraders in the bands.
A total of 16 bands were expected to cross the stage by nightfall.