Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams says Carnival 2016 was a “fantastic celebration” and defending Vibe CT105FM Road March champion Machel Montano and thousands of masqueraders will surely agree, as the international soca star was yesterday well ahead in the contest to retain the crown this year.
And today, Montano and his fans will wait for confirmation that Waiting on the Stage was indeed the top song, as the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation is expected to release the result.
From the start of the Parade of Bands early yesterday, the small but appreciative crowd was treated to a continuous flow of bands across the Queen’s Park Savannah stage. Among the bands to appear before 4 pm, in the large band category, was Day Dream Entertainment Ltd/A Fantasy Carnival’s presentation I Wish.
Montano was on the music truck to energize the masqueraders with his 2016 hit.
Other bands which excited the crowd were Paparazzi Carnival’s Disco Inferno, the Lost Tribe’s Secret Garden, IPMas’ Pantheon—Summon the Guardians and Passion Carnival’s Amazon.
House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George was among the masqueraders in the band K2K Alliance and Partners, which presented Searching For Shangri-La—Your Garden of Eden.
As each band was announced to enter the stage, masqueraders ran and jumped in excitement in the hope that their respective band would cop the Band of the Year title. There was also the traditional mas appearing on stage yesterday.
Montano’s song was way ahead of all challengers as the second day of competition took place under brilliant sunshine. There was a heavy police and military presence on ground and in the air as a helicopter was seen monitoring the proceedings throughout the day. However, there was one reported incident at the venue yesterday. (See other story)
Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Rodney Smart, walked the stage yesterday. Williams said he expected the celebrations to end without any major incidents, as the citizens were displaying “more responsible behaviour for Carnival, (with) people appreciating the importance of enjoying the festive period and giving the necessary support to the law enforcement agencies.”
He said their presence was also to “demonstrate our support to the citizens too...at the end of the day Carnival 2016 ending up a fantastic celebration.”
Brigadier Smart said the Defence Force would “continue to push troops forward in support of the police,” adding that while there was a significant police/army presence at Carnival venues, there was also a strong security presence along the coastlines and in the air.
“While we are here at the Carnival (venue), we continue to be up in Laventille Hill and throughout Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.