WITH Tobago gearing up to host its third annual October carnival, Army J’Ouvert together with Countrie Bookie and Showtime Carnival will launch five days of events on July 27 on Crown Point.
The five events are Army Fete, an ultra-premium J’Ouvert – Camp Black Rock, an all-inclusive Glow Mas – Illumi nation – Tobagoglow, parade of the bands – Colours of Crusoe Isle and a cooler cool down – Hasta La Vista.
Bandleader of Army J'Ouvert Kevon Ottley said: “It is one bundle – we will launch at Aasha’s Lounge in Crown Point. It is not just a bandlaunch, but the five days of event will be launched with the five events. We have not started the registrations just yet, but we have had a lot of interest. We wanted to launch first so that the information would be outside and then everybody could understand what it is they’re getting for their monies. So the registration will take place thereafter.”
President of the Tobago October Carnival Association, Dexter Sandy said there has been a significant increase in interest in this year’s celebration.
[caption id="attachment_1098715" align="alignnone" width="819"] Purple Rain section from Fog Angel's band Cocktails and Bacchanal. -[/caption]
“From the bands side of things, the bands are out doing a lot of marketing of all their sections and the different offerings in terms of J’Ouvert, pretty mas and also night mas – so a lot of that activity is happening right now in Tobago. I know bands from Trinidad are also on the ground actively marketing – so that is what is going well at this point in time.”
With regards transportation to and from the island, he said they have not been in direct contact with the Port Authority or Caribbean Airlines just yet.
“We have been monitoring their website for the availability of seats and we’re already seeing where the Friday to come to Tobago is oversubscribed even on the Saturday itself, the return to Trinidad on the Monday is also oversubscribed you can’t get any tickets right now.
"We’re not sure when they would add flights but we’re hopeful for that. The THA has formally indicated to us that the ferry service would see an increase for that weekend because the TT Spirit is scheduled to come back on route, so with that happening, we are going to see additional movement by the ferry service for passengers.”
President of the Tobago Promoters Association (TPA) Kevon McKenna said that his association is fully prepared.
“Two out of three editions of our calendar of events have already been introduced, and we have been working closely with other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is included, and no one is left behind in this process. We are actively engaging and coordinating with others to create a carnival experience that is inclusive and engaging for all.”
[caption id="attachment_1098716" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A female model displays a costume at the launch of Jade Monkey Bar’s 2024 Tobago carnival presentation Monkey See, Monkey Do. - Photo courtesy Caswell Gordon[/caption]
On June 22, Jade Monkey Mas launched it
