Actor and Model Kia White playing mas in St. Thomas. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
Last updated at 11:34 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18.
Locals and visitors are urged to exercise caution and look out for one another as the territory prepares Carnival on St. Thomas.
Speaking at Monday’s Government House press briefing, Assistant Police Commissioner Mario Brooks urged participants and observers alike to be their brothers’ keepers and discourage activities which may lead to disruption and criminality. Brooks confirmed that officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department will be deployed in full force throughout the highly anticipated festivities.
Monday’s Hospital Show, held in partnership with the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, brought entertainment to patients and hospital staff who may otherwise have been unable to participate in carnival celebrations. Live bands and moko jumbies brought the sounds and colors of the season to the facility, while vendors brought the street food flavor.
The ever-popular Calypso Monarch competition is next on the agenda. Division of Festivals Director in the Department of Tourism Ian Turnbull, noted that eleven contestants will compete this year, and that two Junior Calypsonians will also take the stage at Virgin’s Haven from 8 pm on April 22. Earlier that day, the Toddler’s Derby will be held on the Fort Christian Lawn from 12 to 5:00 p.m. Held in collaboration with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the event offers live music, face painting, games, and other attractions for children and families.
The next day, the action moves to the Waterfront, where from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 23, the Boat Show will feature about eight races, according to the festivals director, along with live music staged in front of the Department of Finance. On Sunday evening the Carnival Village will open for a special Panorama event, according to Mr. Turnbull, where 9 steel pan bands are expected to compete. The Village officially opens on Monday, April 24.
On April 26, over 160 vendors will converge on the Village from 10:00 a.m. for the Food Fair, with live entertainment maintaining the Carnival atmosphere. J’Ouvert morning begins at 6:00 a.m. the next day, where revelers will touch the road for the first time this season, with about 8 music trucks on the road. Officials have stressed that through meetings with the VIPD, it has been agreed that the wearing of masks will be strictly prohibited at this event.
The season culminates with the Children’s Parade on April 28, starting at 12 noon at St. Peter and Paul’s school and ending at Zora, and the Adults Parade on the 29. Revelers will begin at Western Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. and chip, palance, gyrate, and otherwise make their way to the Lionel Roberts stadium to bring the curtain down on Carnival 2023.
