The top performers in this year’s St. James Children’s Carnival were officially recognised on Thursday, as the winners received their awards at a prize-giving ceremony.
The St. James Carnival Committee was commended by the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) for their role in creating a space for children to develop as junior masqueraders.
TTCBA President Mark Ayen hailed the St. James Children’s Carnival as a vital part of the country’s celebration.
“St. James had played a crucial role in what we will call your development as a junior carnival representative or a junior carnival masquerader, and I don’t think we could see the Sunday being any different after Adam Smith Square and not having a St. James.”
Dwayne O’Connor, who spoke on behalf of the President of the National Carnival Commission Regional Carnival Coordinator, thanked the St. James Carnival Committee for their role in continuing the celebrations for the last 35 years.
“This year, like all other years, growing the Carnival seemed mammoth; it got bigger and bigger, and it’s spreading, and it is one of the festivals in Trinidad and Tobago and in St. James that we look forward to every year, and this year we took note that it just didn’t bring children out but it brought more families, and it brought the community out into the St. James area.”
Leading the honours was Zebapique Productions, whose presentation ‘Yuh Ever See’ took home the coveted Band of the Year title, as well as the award for Best Creative Topical Band. Also earning high praise was Spoilt Rotten Kids. The Cascade-based group claimed first place in the Medium Band category and was also named Best Fantasy Band. Small Band, 106 Kindercare, made its mark as well, taking the first place title in their category.
Organisers noted a remarkable 250% increase in registrations.