BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A number of characters came out yesterday (Dec 27) to jam through the streets of Basseterre with other revellers in the annual J’Ouvert Morning celebration of the Federation’s National Carnival.
Individuals were seen dressed in outfits and costumes that made statements. Some were attired as devils, some with painted bodies and a number of men wore wigs.
One character that stood out among others was a male who many people referred to as the headless man. He was dressed in a suit that covered his head and face, leaving his identity concealed to the public.
In his hand was a placard which read, “Ah can’t see de town for bills, taxes and now vat.” He was accompanied by a donkey which also carried a sign that read, “Because of this jackass.”
As he and his donkey made their way through the streets, many persons took pictures and stopped to gaze in amazement at his ingenuity.
SKNVibes PEP learnt that the man was Stacey Hobson; a very popular architect in St. Kitts.
Hobson told SKNVibes PEP that he has been involved in character displays since 1969 and yesterday’s display was self explanatory.
“It depicted the mood of the country. It’s a combination of all these things why the country is in the mood that it is. I listen to people say, ‘It’s because of this we get that.’ So I just try to get away from calling people’s names, but, at the same time, get out what I want to say,” he stated.
Last year, Hobson characterised the ‘Cookie Monster’ of which popular calypsonian Unexpected penned a song, referring to two government officials as Big Bird and Cookie Monster.
A few years ago, he came out to revel with a donkey, which had a placard that read, “National Debt me donkey.” Hopson said he enjoys playing mas and that he had a parade troupe in the past, which he is contemplating on reviving.
Hobson said he did not realise how sensitive his characterisation was until he was approached by many people, who informed him about a number of issues of which he was unaware. He added that while many people would not do something like that, he is not afraid to do anything.
Another man also turned heads as his entire body was painted red with horns and orange-coloured eyes symbolising the devil.
The morning also saw hundreds of residents, visitors and foreign nationals crowding the streets, jamming and drinking while others observed from the sideline.
The J’Ouvert session came to an end at 11:00 a.m., leaving many persons stretched out on the grass at Independence Square and on various sidewalks and streets of Basseterre.
