bloodline@ttol.co.tt

Mama this is mas

There were oohs and ahhs at Island People Mas’ private media viewing of Heaven on Earth when Crystal Seeratan modelled Galvanise Entertainment’s all-inclusive Afrodasiac costume on Sunday, at the Queen’s Park Oval. Photo: DAVID WEARS

So, while we await word from the State about concept, plans or budgeting for Carnival 2009, even the induction of a new National Carnival Commission (NCC), Carnival bandleaders have taken the initiative with more than half-dozen bands already unveiling their C2K9 presentations.

Among the bands already out of the blocks are Evolution, D’Krewe, Spice, Elements, Tribe, Harts International and Island People Mas.

While the visual impact at these launchings have been nothing but spectacular, with the most flawless of Trini beauties recruited to model, a thread of sameness, in terms of costuming and colour co-ordination, seems to run through all. So, it is with keen anticipation I await the launch of Brian Mac Farlane’s Africa in mid-September which I’ve been told will be “mother of all launchings,” not only in design but in terms of venue and time chosen for its unveiling.

Among the other upcoming launches to look out for are Ronnie & Caro’s Bakkanal, scheduled for August 29; Glitz & Glamor of Vegas by Genesis on September 21; Trini Revellers’s Sweet T&T on the eve of Republic Day (September 23); Trevor Wallace & Associates’ Dance yuh Dance, on October 6; and, October 8, when both Just Friends (Dis Is Mas …… We Playing Sailor) and Pulse 8 (Hot…Hot…Hot) will present their creations. Also planning big launches are Image Nation and Dawad Philips’ We People International.

One of the exciting bits of early news for C2K9 is the return of Chris Humphrey in J’Ouvert mas. The prolific bandleader, having taken a hiatus of a couple years, seems to have missed the early Carnival Monday morning revelry and is said to be returning with an epic presentation.

Depicting the Humming Bird section for D’Krewe’s Iere...Virgin Paradise, she flitted daintily across the stage of St John’s Hall on Saturday night when the band unveiled its C2K9 presentation. Photo: sean nero

Finding an equal place

Sometimes I wonder just how seriously some of us take the words of our National Anthem, especially the much debated line, “here every creed and race find an equal place.” It seems that some people and communities continue to be more privileged than others, given the vast numbers that are seen daily on TV and in the press complaining about a plethora of social woes, like perennial flooding and lack of basic amenities, that are ignored by the authorities.

This also includes some cultural entities seemingly being ostracised by the administration when it comes to funding for events or development; case in point being the Mere Desh organisation of Central Trinidad, led by the hardworking, indefatigable and unheralded Arjeet Praimsingh.

For as long as I can remember Praimsingh and his organisation have been promoting indigenous culture and rewarding East Indian achievers in diverse fields without any tangible recognition or support from the powers that be.

Even this year, as Praimsingh hosted the annual Mere Desh Indian Arrival Day celebrations at Mid-Centre Mall, Chaguanas, it was done so, successfully at that, with minimal input from the Ministry of Culture.

In an interview following the prize-giving ceremony on August 10, Praimsingh said: “Culture, in whatever form, needs more support. And the Government must ensure that legitimate cultural groups be given adequate funding.

“I must say, with deep regret, that for the past three years, the Ministry of Culture and the other agencies have refused blatantly to give our group, which has been in existence for 18 years now. “Something is wrong with government’s policy.

“Every year the Mere Desh puts on a massive show and thousands of people, especially school children attend, but that they do not seem entice the government agencies to help.

“The Mere Desh Committee is about nation building; it is about national development.

“It is about promoting the concept of multiculturalism and multi religions, so each ethnic stock would understand and appreciate each other more positively. After East Indians living here 163 years, yet a large segment of the population is not to versatile about our culture, our habits, our religion. Government must become seriously involved, before it is too late.”

Mere Desh head Arjeet Praimsingh, right, makes a presentation at this month’s awards ceremony.