CEO of the Carnival Development Corporation Mr Ashford Wood says, that this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the change from June to July for the island premier festival Vincy Mas. He said with such high anticipation, the CDC is now engaged in a full program of activities which began running from Saturday, February 18th and continues up until July 11th, 2017.
He noted that the All Stars Show on Saturday night in Arnos Vale would be followed up with a clash of the bands show on Saturday 18th March.
Wood speaking at the “All leeward Carnival Launch” said it is most heart warming to see the rural committees on the Leeward end coming together and pooling resources to make this anniversary memorable.
“ for someone who have been around carnival for a long time am sure you are aware that rural’s compete against each other, I recall a number of years ago when were trying to merge the East St George Carnival with Stubbs carnival we were told that we are dealing with people of to different cultures, and I thought one was in Lebanon and one in the Caribbean, I really could not see the difference between Calliaqua and Stubbs, so when I was told that the three committees were coming together I saw it as a good move”.
The CEO noted that the communities would still hold their own separate activities, because at the end of the day each has its own bills to pay, however, this is a step in the right direction.
Wood says he hopes that as the years go by committees would not just collaborate on a launch, but also on more activities, with the hopes for a future all Leeward Carnival.
“ let me just say how pleased I am to know that sponsors are on board, I see Flow and St Vincent Brewery, and I know that others would come on board, the key is to make sure we please the public”.
“challenges would arise as we try to put on carnival,l and we would not be able to please everyone”.
Wood said listening to radio on Monday, it appears that one individual was highly annoyed at what took place on Saturday night at the now defunct E.T Joshua airport, however, he said persons are to be comforted in the fact that once you please the majority of the people and they speak about what you do, it is an accomplishment.
The CEO noted that the Leeward Committees are setting the pace, and his hope is that others would follow.
