[UPDATED] Jade Monkey, Ronnie and Caro partner for Tobago Carnival

The popular Jade Monkey Casino Bar & Grill in Crown Point, Tobago, will launch its first-ever Carnival mas band on Sunday at 11pm.

The band, which features three sections, is titled: A Tribute To Blaxx.

The late soca artiste, whose real name was Dexter Stewart, died on March 28, 2022, of complications associated with covid19.

Jade Monkey owner Seon Anthony told Newsday, “Blaxx was a personal friend of mine. He was like a brother to me and it was only fitting that I honour him.”

Anthony said the bar will also be presenting a J’Ouvert band, Monkey Bizzness. The costumes, designed by Caroline Mc Intosh, are being produced by Ronnie and Caro, the Mas Band.
He added there will be live models at the launch.

Anthony said he met Ronnie Mc Intosh, co-owner of Ronnie and Caro, about two decades ago in Toronto, Canada.

"We both shared a love for music and when I moved to Tobago the friendship continued."

He said when it was announced that Tobago would have its own Carnival in October, they met and talked about bringing a mas band to the island. On New Year's Day, we talked about the idea some more."

Anthony urged people to come out and view the costumes.

“So I want people to come out and have a good time, look at what we are offering. We are the first to jump out the blocks and we are going to transform Jade Monkey and surroundings.”

Anthony said depending on the response, they will consider increasing the number of sections in the mas band.

He said that both bands will participate in Tobago’s Carnival on October 28-30, 2022.

McIntosh is looking forward to the Tobago Carnival, which he described as “long overdue.”

“Rather than clashing with Trinidad’s Carnival, where half of Tobago would normally come, it is a great thing that they are doing, having their own Carnival,” he said.

McIntosh hopes there is sufficient transportation to get people to Tobago.

“That is normally a problem. Even for Easter it is a big problem, so far less for Carnival. I think Carnival will be ten times bigger than Easter.

“I am hoping even the airlines puts some sort of direct flights from certain main hubs like Miami, New York, London and Toronto,” he said.

Meisha Trim, chairman of the Tobago Carnival committee, said the schedule of events should be out by July.

At a press conference last month, she said, “We have built out a two- to four-week window to present a full plan of action for this Tobago October Carnival. As we move along, we will build out what you would expect but the THA is responsible for 72 hours – Friday to Sunday – of pure bliss and ecstasy on the island.”

She said Carnival lovers will experience, pan, calypso, mas, fetes and elements showcasing Tobago’s rich culture, heritage and history. (with reporting by Melissa Doughty)

This story was originally published with the title "Jade Monkey's inaugural mas band to honour Blaxx" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

The popular Jade Monkey Casino Bar & Grill, Tobago, will launch its first-ever Carnival mas band at its Crown Point location on Sunday. Action gets under way from 11pm.

The band, which features three sections, is titled: A Tribute To Blaxx.

The late soca artiste, whose real name was Dexter Stewart, died on March 28, 2022, of complications associated with covid19.

Jade Monkey owner Seon Anthony told Newsday, “Blaxx was a personal friend of mine. He was like a brother to me and it was only fitting that I honour him.”

Anthony said the bar will also be presenting a J’Ouvert band, Monkey Bizzness. The costumes, designed by Caroline Mc Intosh, are being produced by Ronnie and Caro, the Mas Band. He added there will be live models at the launch.

“So I want people to come out and have a good time, look at what we are offering. We are the first to jump out of the blocks and we are going to transform Jade Monkey and surroundings.”

Anthony said depending on the response, they will consider increasing the number of sections in the mas band.

He said that both bands will participate in Tobago’s Carnival on October 28-30, 2022.