Governor Mapp pleased with STT Children’s Carnival
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI - Governor of the United States Virgin Islands Kenneth E. Mapp on Friday April 29, 2016 said he was pleased to see a strong turnout — at least in the carnival square where all main performances traditionally take place (there were complaints of low turnouts throughout the carnival route) — for the Children’s Parade, which has struggled with attendance in recent years.
The territory’s leader, his second year enjoying St. Thomas Carnival as governor, said carnival highlights the culture of the Virgin Islands, and is part of the fabric that knits its people. He also reminded that this year is the 64th year that carnival is being celebrated in the territory.
Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter, echoing the governor on the importance of carnival, also credited the season for providing some of the most lucrative weeks for vendors. Mr. Potter, a stronger reveler himself, has been all smiles during the season, being spotted in j’ouvert and blending seamlessly with the people he was elected to serve.
Former Governor Charles Turnbull, his wife, Mr. Mapp and Mr. Potter sitting in the same area, told The Consortium that carnival is a longstanding tradition for him, and stated that his first foray in the festivities came at age 17.
The event saw 35 entries this year, most bringing performances fit for carnival.
When 10:00 a.m. Saturday April 30, 2016 arrived, which is when the Adults Parade was supposed to start, rain was pouring as if to signal to revelers, go home; “de party don”, as Caribbean people would say. The rain huffed, it puffed, but it failed to send home the thousands of visitors and residents alike who were lined up along the parade route, and those set to participate in the event.
By the time the sun was setting, the last entry made had made its way to the main performing area. By then, rainfall was an afterthought.
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