Tobago masqueraders sing for Calypso Rose

TOBAGO masqueraders showed love to local icon Calypso Rose on October 27 as they sang some of her songs to her during carnival celebrations. Market Square carpark in Scarborough came alive as the colourful revellers sang her and Destra Garcia’s song, Gimme D Road.

Mas began around 11 am in the capital, just after the Esplanade, with traditional characters taking charge.

On full display were sailors, moko jumbies, pierrot grenades, fancy Indians, ole time wedding character, and jab molassies – even featuring a dog wearing black horns.

THA Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris had a time as she swayed to the music in her sailor costume.

As for pretty mas, revellers gathered at the Shaw Park Complex before noon.

Just as things were about to kick off at 1 pm, heavy rains came and most fled to the nearby NP gas station for shelter.

The rain did not stop a small rhythm section, who remained in the showers and teased the others, saying, “Yuh cyah play mas and fraid water!”

The rain did not last too long and the masqueraders officially began around 1.15 pm.

Many complained about the heat, even while wearing hats and using portable fans.

Learning from the complaints from J’Ouvert celebrations, bands were urged not to be stagnant in the “quiet zone” approaching the hospital.

Some took issue with this on October 26 as music either needed to be very low or off when nearing the hospital, but instead of moving past there quickly so it could resume, they were at a standstill for at least 20 minutes.

The bands each made their way down to the Market Square carpark to cross the stage at the judging point.

Their energies were high on the road but increased tenfold when it was time to impress the judges. Carnival Contract by Bunji Garlin seemed to be the tune of choice.

Even more regional and international flags were seen including those of Haiti, Dominica, St Lucia and others.

But it was when Fog Angels crossed the stage that they decided to give their attention to Calypso Rose, who was at the judging point.

The mic man asked masqueraders to show love to an icon, so that when she leaves the island, this carnival would be etched in her memory.

On October 25, Milford Road was renamed Calypso Rose Boulevard in her honour.

Many sang their hearts out to the chorus of the tune, Gimme D Road, and then gave the mic to the woman of the moment.

“Play d music!” she ad-libbed as she sang along with a cheerful crowd. Fireworks and fog were also released during that moment.

Several took out their phones to capture it.

Lady Lava also took the stage not too long after to perform her 2024 hit Ring Finger, which has been a favourite throughout Tobago’s Carnival festivities.

Similar to J’Ouvert, there was a strong police presence, as well as patrols from the TT Defence Force, Air Guard and Coast Guard.