CDC promises exciting Carnival Launch 2015

Thousands of Vincentians are expected to assemble at Victoria Park on May 2, for the official launch of the highly anticipated Vincy Mas 2015.

For the first time in its history, the launch will take place at the Victoria Park, instead of at the Solidarity Inc car park on Bay Street, as is customary.{{more}}

At a press conference on Tuesday, chair of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) Dennis Ambrose told reporters that the shift to the Victoria Park was because the large crowds that usually attend the event have outgrown the previous venue and for security reasons.

Ambrose also spoke briefly about some of the activities that will be taking place on the day of the launch, starting with whistle stops on both sides of the island. Xtreme FM, newcomers to the Vincy Mas line-up, will make whistle stops on the Leeward end, while Hitz FM will cover the windward side of the island.

The CDC chair also noted that their overseas advertising has been doing well and said, with LIAT’s new fleet of aircraft, travel to St Vincent will be made easier.

“We still want to persuade everyone who is planning to come here for Vincy Mas to make early reservations, because getting a booking can be quite challenging,” he urged.

Persons desirous of playing Mas are also being urged to visit the CDC’s website to check out the various Mas bands.

Shows co-ordinator, Marlon Stephenson, in his brief address, said between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., there will be an activity at Heritage Square, which will be focused on the youth.

“We are going to be having pan, lots of kaiso, ring games. We are doing a number of things to attract the youths and making sure that there’s a link between what is gone and what is present…We do hope the parents bring them so we can establish the connection,” Stephenson said.

Also, Vincentians will see the introduction of the CDC’s “Celebration Train.”

Stephenson explained that the concept behind the idea is to celebrate Vincy Mas winners over the past year.

“We are going to be bringing out our winners and celebrating with them. The train will assemble at Heritage Square, starting from 4:30 [p.m.]. The train will be led by Miss SVG 2014 Shadeisha George – our main celebrant. We would have all of the winners who won competitions in last year’s Vincy Mas,” he said, adding there will be three floats at the event – one each by sponsors LIME, LOTTO and Hairoun Brewery.

“We will be giving a touch of J’Ouvert and we will also have four Monday bands and the Miss SVG contestants for 2015 will also be on this celebration train.”

The train will leave Heritage Square at 6 p.m. and travel to the Victoria Park.

Saturday’s launch will also include the first official appearance by the Miss SVG 2015 contestants and the calypso, ragga and soca competitions. The LIME soca fete will round off the evening of activities.

Assistant commissioner of police Christopher Benjamin, speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, noted that safety is at the top of their agenda and urged Vincentians to cooperate with the police fully in facilitating a successful carnival.

“Businesses and vendors who are plying their trade are asked to remember the no bottle policy. All security and traffic arrangements are in place for Carnival launching,” he said.

Other addresses came from marketing co-ordinator of the CDC Anthony Dennie and Ezzie Roberts, co-ordinator of the Rural Carnival.(KW)