Sando Carnival launched at Skinner Park

Mayor of San Fernando Marlene Coudray poses with the members
 of Ballerz and Associates
 Carnival band “Sundance Spectacle”
at Sunday’s launch of San Fernando Carnival.

Heavy rainfall which resulted in sodden grounds at Skinner Park did not dampen the launch of San Fernando Carnival on Sunday. Mayor Marlene Coudray, who officially launched festivities praised San Fernandians for staying in the city and making the 2011 celebrations a success. “I want to thank you all for keeping the celebrations alive in San Fernando,” she said. “You can easily migrate to Port-of-Spain like so many others but you have chosen to stay here and bring proper bands for Carnival in San Fernando.” Coudray said the Corporation is working to make Carnival better in San Fernando. Sunday’s event featured booths with displays by 17 bands, as well as live performances by calypsonians Niko, Brian London and Lady Adanna. Joshua Hinds, the 2011 National Arts Festival Primary School Junior Calypso Monarch also performed admirably before a festive crowd. However, the biggest hit of the evening was reigning Young Kings Calypso Monarch Benjai who had patrons dancing along to his 2011 hits, “Trini” and “Wine to the Side.” Ivan Kalicharan, winner of San Fernando Band of the Year 2011 title, filled the Skinner Park stage with costumes from his 2012 presentation, “We Going Carnival”. J’Ouvert band Ballerz and Associates also displayed costumes from their presentation, “We Walking the Plank”. Providing pan music were top San Fernando bands, Skiffle Bunch and Fonclaire.
Kevon Felmine