Minister McKie: Carnival shows well attended

Dubbed the hottest festival in the Caribbean, Culture Minister Cecil Mckie is of the opinion that Vincy Mas 2012 is living up to expectations.{{more}}

As the festival winds down with four days of activities remaining, Mckie told SEARCHLIGHT that, based on what he’s observed, he is of the opinion that this year’s festival has seen an increase in attendance.

“If you are to do a review and, as a matter of fact, information received from officials at the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), there has been an increase in the gate receipts at the major shows.

“The shows have been well attended and the quality of the shows has been of great quality,” McKie said.

Mention was also made of the H2O Wet Fete event, recently held at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex and according to the Culture Minister, “From all indications, that is one of the largest, if not the largest, crowds ever gathered at Arnos Vale for a private function out there.”

McKie, who was at the time attending the Junior Panorama show last Sunday, also indicated that people are into the carnival mood and seem to be enjoying Vincy Mas 2012.

“I expect that the shows to come will also be well patronized and the Vincentian population and visitors here for Vincy Mas will come out and support our mas men and women, as well as the artistes and allow us to have one of the better Carnivals,” he added.

Rounding up the calendar of activities for Vincy Mas 2012 will be the Miss Carival pageant, slated for tonight at Victoria Park, Soca Monarch on Saturday night and Dimanche Gras on Sunday, followed by J’Ouvert on Monday morning, which will be followed by the Evening Street Party.

The curtain comes down on Vincy Mas 2012 with the hosting of Mardi Gras on Tuesday at Carnival City, Victoria Park, after which revellers will have one last chance to jam to the local music provided by Hi Fi Systems around Kingstown.(AA)