Admiral Bailey (left), showing off his 'Della' moves, while Oscar Benjamin gives support. - Winston SillBy Justin Whyte,
Entertainment Editor
OSCAR BENJAMIN, lead singer of Byron Lee and The Dragonaires called on hundreds of revellers at last Sunday night's Jamaica Carnival Blow-out Fete, at Marketplace, Constant Spring Road, Kingston to "put up your hands those who feel that we should control gyrating at fetes". And instead of just refusing to raise their hands, the crowd screamed "No!".
Afterwards a number of them told The Gleaner that there was no need for a code of conduct to control Carnival fans, as it was the responsibility of the media to control what was reported.
That morning, The Sunday Gleaner had published a story about religious leaders calling for a code of conduct to curb the sexy gyrations of Carnival revellers this year. The report said the call followed a recent decision by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to issue a stern warning to Spring-breakers to tone down their lewd and obscene behaviour.
With revellers intoxicated by the merriment and conviviality which went on into the early hours of Monday morning, The Gleaner sought reaction from the crowd on Carnival activities for this year:
The general impression was that this year's events were fresh and appealing.
When asked to rate that night's Blow-out Fete No. 2, a number of people said "Fantastic", "Fresh", "Innovative".
Q: I noticed the costume segment of the show was more concise and well choreographed. Do you think this is adequate to motivate people to make purchases?
A: "I must really congratulate D' Masqueraders for their new thinking. The new concept is right and adds class to the movement."
A: "Although it is a welcome change, I would have liked to see more modelling of the costumes ...too much gyrating."
Q: Do you think Digita (mascot for Cable and Wireless, one of the sponsors of Jamaica Carnival) should be more integrated in the activities and a more convincing sales whip?
A: "She too nice. She wants to be more integrated in what's happening."
A: "Yes, but Jerry (Davy) should talk less and let her perform more..."
Q: This year's Carnival songs seem to be more of a dancing, bouncy disco nature a lot of fusion. What do you think of them?
A: "The music is great for me. It is not static the rhythm is shifting. The emphasis is on partying and that's what Carnival is all about."
A: "I preferred last year's music. The tunes were more story-oriented. This year so far is just dance music, but I like dem".
Q: Byron Lee has just returned from Trinidad with loads of Carnival music, do you like them?
A: "So far yes, but we were not told which ones are new. The band handles them well".
A: "The band sounds fresh and rejuvenated. The songs...some of them are alright".
Q: Do you like the band crew's new outfit and their general showmanship?
A: "Yes, the outfits are attractive. Their gimmicks and performance antics are classy."
A: "Audra seemed well rested. She is sexy and her singing is good. The new guy seems to be rivalling Leon Caldero in "wining".
Q: Do you like the idea of intermissions being set in the programme, or should revellers just go for refreshments when they want?
A: "They can take short breaks, because the food and drinks must sell too".
A: "What has happened to the sellers who bring the drinks through the crowd? We want them back."
Q: Peter Phillips disco has been with Carnival since its inception, do you like how they deliver the music?
A: "At the Friday night fetes, we do not have Byron Lee and the place is lively."
A: "The sound is getting better, but we need some disco during intermission, not just reggae soca and dancehall".
Q: Do you have problems with parking and getting to the venue?
A: "I think people should be encouraged to park at nearby plazas, where there is tight security and a shuttle service be provided to take them to Marketplace.'
A: "The cars seem unsafe on the roadways leading to and off the main road, but patrons need to be escorted."
