BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Sugar Mas’ 40/40 celebration has finally come to an end!
And what better way to bring down the curtains on the 40-day celebration than a Las’ Lap Jam Session through the corridors of Basseterre.
Yesterday (Jan. 3) was the day earmarked for the final jam of the 2011/2012 Carnival, and by 5:00 p.m. the action was in full swing.
Four of the Federation’s favourite bands were on the road providing their fans with sweet sugar mas’ music: the Kollision Band, Small Axe Band, Nu Vybes Band International and the Sugar Mas’ 40/40 Road March Champion – the Masters of the Art - the Grand Masters Band.
Each band began its Las’ Lap journey at different points but followed the route utilised during the December 26 J’Ouvert festivity, with Fort Street – which is also known as Action Avenue – being used as the main thoroughfare.
Thousands flooded the streets jamming, bouncing, gyrating and grooving as they were fed steady pulses of rhythm and rhyme.
There was one distinct difference between yesterday’s activity and Grand Parade. During the latter, revellers registered with any specific troupe were required to jam with that troupe and the accompanying band. Last evening however, revellers were free to enjoy themselves with whichever band they desired.
The Grand Masters Band and the Small Axe Band were surrounded by similarly-sized crowds but the Nu Vybes Band International seemed to have drawn the largest crowd. Kollision’s following was meagre in comparison. Nonetheless, all set out to enjoy themselves, and enjoy themselves they did!
The jamming was stopped at 9:00 p.m. and the massive crowds dispersed. However, many stuck around the Basseterre area either to rest their legs, to patronise nearby booths or to relish in the activity and entertainment provided at Party Central in Central Street.
Chairman of the Sub-committee responsible for security Ivor Blake told SKNVibes that he was pleased with the turnout for this and the other street activities.
He also indicated that while there were a number of squabbles and a specific incident involving a Carnival Marshal, there were no major incidents during the street activities.
As a result, he expressed thanks to the security forces and the Carnival Marshals for their work.
The public also received commendation from Blake for its “generally good behaviour” and for its support for, not only the street activities, but also for the other Sugar Mas’ 40/40 activities.
“I wish to thank all for their assistance in making this Carnival a success; the calypsonians, the queens, kings, other participants and the volunteers who worked tirelessly day and night behind the scene, without all of you this would not have been possible.”
Many would hate to see this celebration come to an end but others would be heartened by the fact that it brought with it specific moments; moments which have now become memories. And these memories are and will forever be part of the history of their lives and that of our nation.
And opportunities will present themselves for other moments to be had and memories to be made and catalogued.
But for now, it’s back to work!
