Calls for violence-free Carnival
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Grand Marshall for the Sugar Mas’ 42 festivities, Cyril ‘Puntan’ Webster Pringle, has made a call for a violent-free Carnival celebration.
Pringle, on Friday evening (Nov. 23), was announced the season’s Grand Marshall during the official Opening Ceremony held on the Bay Road at the western end of the Old Treasury Building.
After taking the stage, Pringle, having been asked how he feels about his appointment, said he felt “good” and added that he is confident in all of his undertakings and this should be no different.
In declaring his expectations for the Carnival season, ‘Puntan’ said he is looking forward to a violence-free celebration.
“What I am looking forward to is…I don’t want any violence in the whole of carnival this year. I want this carnival to be free of violence.”
The Carnival Committee selected Puntan as this year’s Grand Marshall and, in giving insight into his upbringing, Carnival Chair Sylvester Anthony explained that he grew up in Westbourne Ghaut and now resides at Malone Avenue.
Anthony indicated that during his younger years, Puntan worked with his father – Cyril Webster – who was a grounds man at Warner Park in excess of 20 years. And for 50 years – ending only in 2002 – he was a cricket umpire.
The music lover, as explained by Anthony, is also known for his days of playing the steel pan. Beginning when he was 13-years-old, Puntan played in bands including the Eagles Squadron, Wilberforce and Casablanca.
Among his responsibilities and or privileges as Grand Marshall, Puntan will lead the Grand Carnival Parade through the streets of the city on January 1, 2014.
Last year’s Grand Marshall was Arvon Frederick.
