St. George’s, August 11, 2010 – The Member of Parliament for the Town of St. George has congratulated carnival participants from his constituency that have won competitions at Spicemas 2010.
MP Peter said he was particularly impressed with the number of young people involved in the steelband movement not just in St. George’s, but also in other parishes of the nation.
For this year’s festival, the Grenada Carnival Committee (GCC) and the Steelbands’ Association staged a Bomb Tune competition in which one of the two selections of participating orchestras was a composition by veteran calypsonian, Elwin “Black Wizard’’ McQuilkin. It was a tribute to Wizard, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary in the music industry.
In the nine-band competition, held in place of the accustomed Panorama, Tanteen-based Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra was adjudged winners. Second was Coyaba New Dimension and in third spot was Suzuki Pan Wizards – two other Town of St. George steelbands.
“I congratulate all the steelband players, in particular the country’s young people whose interest and involvement in pan are a welcomed sight and a plus for pan and culture,’’ said MP David, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“I join in celebrating with this year’s victors, Angel Harps, which won the hearts of the judges at the Bomb Tune competition. Coyaba New Dimension and Pan Wizards are also to be commended for their spirited performances and for placing in the top three.’’
The other steelbands in the competition included Lime Commacheroes which placed 4th; Rainbow City All Stars was 5th; and Grand Roy Pan Angels was 6th.
The newest steel orchestra in Grenada, Pan Ossia, finished 7th; Calabash Pan Lovers was 8th; and Digicel West Side Symphony was 9th.
Like his government colleagues, including Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, Mr. David attended GCC-sponsored competitions and participated in street events, including Jourvert.
MP David commended the “excellent overall security work’’ of members of the Royal Grenada Police Force over the carnival season.
He was also heartened by the level of professionalism of the artistes participating in carnival competitions, including soca and calypso shows, as well as in the costumed bands’ categories.
“Our artistes are really doing a fantastic job,’’ Mr. David said. “I believe that things can only improve with greater support for them.’’
