Like the previous weekend, and the ones preceding, last weekend was packed with activity, beginning with last week Wednesday’s crowning of Tobagonian Davia Chambers as Miss T&T World and Karlon Woods as Mr T&T World. From that evening onwards it was a dizzying stream of activity up to night before when Kaiso House staged a cabaret show at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp) in Woodbrook. The weekend agenda included two evenings of the TopModel Trinidad and Tobago event at the Hyatt Regency; my sitting on the judges’ panel for the Mr & Miss Belmont & Environs Model Pageants on Saturday; La Flor’s Gentleman’s Ball that same night; C2K11 band launchings by Spice and Yuma; and, the much anticipated Laventille Emancipation Street Parade, featuring 25 steelbands.

Building community spirit
I was heartened on the weekend to witness residents of two communities, both regularly maligned, coming together to stage wholesome and uplifting events. First up was Saturday’s Mr & Miss Belmont & Environs Model Pageants, at Port-of-Spain City Hall, and on Sunday, the Laventille Foundation successfully staged its seventh edition of the Laventille Emancipation Street Parade. The latter was staged along the Eastern Main Road, through Success Village, attended by thousands of pan enthusiasts. What touched me most was the large quantity of youth actively participating in the parade, and playing some sweet music too. While every steelband gave of its best, I was particularly impressed by the energy and verve displayed by the young pannists of Laventille Serenaders and Tokyo.

Serenaders, led by Anthony “Ben’ Up” Kinsale, and with Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz in tow playing a mean iron, played Mr Vegas’ reggae hit I Am Blessed and SuperBlue’s Ethel; while Tokyo’s repertoire included Rhianna’s Umbrella, Bro Valentino’s Stay Up Zimbabwe, Shadow’s Dingolay, Andre Tanker Bin Laden and Bro Marvin’s Carnival Time Again, the latter being one of my favourite calypsoes. On top of its game as usual and playing some enthralling music along the route was pride of Woodbrook Phase II Pan Groove, its selections including Umbayayo, Let it be me, Magic Drum and a honey-coated interpretation of Elvis Presley’s Love me tender. I have a bone to pick with Phase II leader Len “Boogsie” Sharpe though, for not playing one of my Phase II favourites—the theme from Exodus. World Cup hit Waka Waka was a favourite on the evening and among the bands playing this single, and creating much excitement, were Sagicor Exodus and Witco Desperadoes. For its Emancipation piece, Exodus played Ella Andall’s Rhythm of a People, while Despers’ set included Kitchener’s Love in the cemetery, Don’t cry for me Argentina, and Blakie’s Steelband Clash.

Sporting the innovative G-Pan, TCL Group Skiffle Bunch also attracted attention playing Love is a many splendoured thing, Red Red Wine, Pretend you’re happy when you’re blue, Pan on Fire, David Rudder’s Adrenalain City, and an infectious calypso medley. I wondered whether Regrello chose Pretend you’re happy as a reaction to the last two elections results, lost by his political party. I don’t have the space to itemise what each band performed but also gracing the route were bpTT Renegades, Solo Harmonites and Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille, the latter being the final band in the parade. On the topic of youth involvement, Laventille Rhythm Section produced a troupe of young masqueraders and dancers, led by Joanne Blackman, in costumes from Brian Mac Farlane’s 2009 winning Band of the Year Out of Africa.

They were preceded by costumes worn by that year’s winning King and Queen of Carnival—Ndlova and Manzandaba, respectively. Abundant with beautiful women, Saturday’s Gentleman’s Ball (GMB) was off the hook. Promoter La Flor was certainly not short on sponsorship for this year’s edition, with corporate Trinidad really supporting this annual Emancipation drinks-inclusive event. People came out in their finest, as is now traditional with a GMB. The new, spacious, open-air venue was also a plus. Some fantastic music was played by the DJs on board, so much so it seemed that this party would continue until way after sunrise on Sunday morning. People just refused to leave the well appointed and decorated venue. DJs in the house included Studio Productions, Alicia D Duchess, Howie T & CG, John Boy and Ezel.