Dear Editor,
I refer to the GINA press release on ‘attempts to improve the Mash Celebrations on the Road on Mash Day 2008’ .
First I must express my appreciation and congratulations to Dr Frank Anthony on his splendid all round effort within his portfolio of Culture and Sports, and recognise his indefatigable efforts. However without diluting the effort of the Herculean tasks of the organisers of the Mash parade – I shudder at the mention of performance dancing within the parade and the crowd control along the parade route.
Having witnessed the 2007 street parade and the congestion along Irving St into the National Park which by 6 pm was total gridlock let me offer some priority initiatives that need to be addressed.
First the parade route needs to be extended – and while the crowd control assets are limited – the Irving St /Vlissengen Road dual carriage way cannot accommodate the crowd build up and overflow by 4 pm.
The late start of bands – especially the big ones – accounts for extra long waiting along parade routes – resulting in ‘milling’ – crowding onto the parade streets. From entries received and the size of bands – strict observation of start and finish could limit the parade to a 3 to 4 hour window – for judging at specified points along the route.
Will not comment here on the enthusiasm – interest in producing costume bands locally and how to achieve development of this aspect of our culture alongside the resuscitation of steelbands and masquerade groups and thrusts into other neglected aspects of our culture and heritage – which should be placed on the front burner.
I must mention that the initial start last year in the first 2 hours with appearances from bands from the ministries and religious groups was entertaining and prompt, but thereafter it was wait – wait – wait for the 2 big bands to pass – 2/ 4 hrs later – by which time the crowd milling into bands diluted the spectacle and the parade turned ‘ol Mas’.
Stretching the parade to an 8 hour spectacle is not the answer. Based on my experience of band/costume participation a 3 – 4 hour max parade – noon to 4 pm should suffice – with sponsored staged shows at off venues to perpetuate the entertainment running into latest 10 pm/midnight where lights and security permit. In other words street fair staging to spread the day’s celebration. Stages at the sea wall band stand, Parade Ground and Merriman Mall could supply all day entertainment with the National Park ending midnight – showcases for local performers band should initially be with token appearance fees.
The problem is ‘Late starts’ – last minute planning – and I wonder how many bands have been launched to date. Nor is a February month 3 week production enough to produce a worthwhile spectacle, enlist members and make costumes, organise presentations and so on. Planning / production of costume bands requires a minimum of a year – even in Trinidad where lavish materials are available and the skills of costume production have reached cottage industry status. Which brings me to choreographed dancing on the streets. Synchronised dancing displays on street parades are usually part of ‘large organised costumed bands where dance groups are enlisted to add to the spectacle of the band’s presentation to enhance prize winning. In the parades of Macy’s Herald Square – professional groups like the Rockets and recently reprises of parts of Broadway shows are fillers at Judges’ Stands – interludes during the passing of the parade. Timing is on TV time – and all aspects of the celebration – filled into a 2/3 hour slot of compressed high quality entertainment. There is much to be learnt from the synchronisation of entertainment events abroad. A day waiting to see a few bands is not the best means for a Mash celebration.
The foregoing is not a critique or a platform to mouth off from someone outside the forest -who does not know what he is talking about. I tramped with Quo Vadis/Invaders and Marabuntas from 1954 on the streets of Georgetown and even in Bartica, McKenzie and New Amsterdam. Was there when our first steelband association was formed by Mrs Iris Leitch, Barney Johnson, Carl Bledman, Don Sandiford and others. Played and produced Mas’ annually in Port of Spain since the late fifties. Was there when the vision of export of Mas’ to Caribbean enclaves overseas was envisaged in 1961 by George Bailey, Harold Saldenah and Cito Velasquez. Watched Carnivals in England, Parkway Brooklyn, Caribana in Toronto, Miami, Washington, Atlanta and Orlando grow and jumped with several bands. Won costumed bands at our local festivals and Mashramani on more than 6 occasions, 3 times band of the year. Am not a Johnny-Come-Lately and as a Cook-shop-fly pan has been in the blood since ‘pan was introduced in Guiana – But that’s another nostalgia.
Yours faithfully,
Godfrey Chin
