BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Xtreme J ‘Ouvert Troupe, Osdel ‘Scotty’ Hanley, said they are very confident about having the largest J’Ouvert troupe for this year’s Carnival celebrations.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Hanley said Xtreme has been a part of the annual carnival since its debut in 2001 and this year they expect the troupe would grow in numbers from revellers in neighbouring islands.
“I don’t think Xtreme will be majorly affected by the other J’Ouvert troupes. We do believe some persons would leave but at the same time some will come as well. We still have our loyal fans and we have interested from persons from Statia contacting us about be a part of the troupe forJ’Ouvert. We also have our fans from Antigua and we have enough persons to make sure the troupe will represent,” Hanley said.
Hanley declared that Xtreme would welcome other troupes because carnival is all about participation. He noted that 1 200 revellers participated under Xtreme’s banner in last year’s carnival.
Several troupes have already launched with fantastic pizzazz and appeal and have had great feedback from the general public, possibly more than in previous years.
“Kittitians usually gravitate to new and hyped stuff, but at around 7:30 a.m. or 7:45 a.m. when Xtreme Sound system makes its way up Fort Street, everyone will see the crowd,” he said.
Hanley said that they chose Lime Xtreme Bacchanal as the troupe’s theme for this year because Carnival is all about bacchanal and having fun and playing mas.
“Especially on J’Ouvert morning,” he added.
This year they will be offering T-shirts, masks, noise makers, body paint and tote bags.
“We’re now going to have two bars that will be offering free alchoholic beverages, both at the front of the troupe and,” he said.
The troupe will be officially launched at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27 at Tony’s Liquor Centre with live broadcast on ZIZ. Entertainment will be provided by Ronnie Rascal, Grandmasters, DJ Yardy, Tombstone and Xtreme models.
Persons signing up for the troupe can get a special deal for EC$50.
“We don’t deal with registration. When you pay your money you get your package on the spot,” Hanley said.
