St. George’s, August 16, 2010 (GIS) – Junior Culture Minister, Senator Arley Gill, has said that there are many positives from the
just-concluded carnival celebrations, and is encouraging greater attempts to leverage the outstanding aspects of the national festival.
He is appealing to all interest groups, including the Grenada Carnival Committee, Grenada Steelbands’ Association, Grenada Mas Bands’
Association and calypsonians, to meet quickly to analyse areas of strengths and weaknesses and to prepare future plans. They are also
being invited to share their views on the way forward at an upcoming national carnival symposium.
“All the stakeholders of Spicemas must be commended for another sterling effort and for the thrill and entertainment of the season,’’
Sen. Gill said. “They certainly made participating and spectating at carnival worth the while for thousands of Grenadians and visitors.’’
The major carnival winners included Otis, who captured both the Soca Monarch and Road March titles with “Tornado.’’
Among other top national champions were Biko (Calypso Monarch); Rankin Marvin (Groovy Soca Monarch); Allana (Junior Calypso Monarch);
Republic Bank Angel Harps (Steelbands’ Bomb Tune); Nakitta Noel, Ms. St. Patrick (Carnival Queen); Commancheroes & Associates (Band of the
Year); and LIME (Monday Nite Mas).
“Government, through the Department of Culture, would like to congratulate all the competitors, especially the winners. We’re also
heartened by the growth of carnival at the parish level,’’ said Sen. Gill, who is also Minister with responsibility for Information and
Information and Communication Technology.
The Senator, who participated in J’ouvert and in the Fancy Mas celebrations on August 9 and 10, said the positives of the festival
included the emergence of Otis as a budding star; the increased presence of women in soca and calypso competitions; the re-emergence
of calypso tents; and the strong involvement of youth in the steelband movement.
“I would like to see these trends continue and we must also try to strengthen other areas of the carnival product,’’ said Sen. Gill. “The
product must be so polished that it would attract additional visitors who contribute immensely to economic activity in July and August each
year. As well, elements such as our soca and calypso – if done well – should be able to leave our shores and also find a place in the overseas market.’’
For complete carnival results, visit the Spicemas website at:
http://www.spicemasgrenada.com/press/2010/08/official-carnival-results-2010.shtml