AD - Antigua & Barbuda

14
The Origins
of Carnival- cont.
The first Carnival was a miniature
version of what the festival is
today. Whereas today, Carnival
embraces a series of unforgettable
days and nights filled with various
parties and shows, ranging from
music competitions to several
pageants, fifty years ago, the only
competitions were the Queen and
Calypso Shows held at the Deluxe
Cinema. These were followed
by a parade which featured a
number of brightly coloured and
attractive floats sponsored by
the business community. Even
though the creativity and style of
the troupes and groups presented
a magnificent medley of colours
that was a sight to behold, it was
nothing to compare with what is
displayed today.
Indeed, Carnival
has evolved
into a frolicking,
financially viable,
merry-making
annual event,
more glamorous
and exciting
each year.
The birth of Antigua’s Carnival
would not have been possible
without the dedicated work of a
group of good spirited citizens,
who whether directly of indirectly
contributed toward its success.
Among the names that should
be recognized, respected and
remembered are Gilbert “Big U”
George and Phillip Labadie, who
were outstanding workers. The
late Hilson Murdoch, Jasper
“Bobby” Scotland, the late Dr. Joe
Robinson, and the late Kenrick
Tully, were members of the
committee for years.
Mas
Music
F a n t a s y
The contributions of the late Jill
Walker, who designed the first
Carnival stage and Amos Morrell,
who continued where she left off,
must always be remembered. St.
Clair Baston of the Public Works
Department, who built the first
stage at the Recreation grounds,
Pat Starr whose idea it was to
introduce Carnival City, and her
husband Ogden Starr must never
be forgotten. The late Denfield
Hurst was considered by many to
have been one of the most effective
financial comptrollers.
Dame Yvonne
Maginley chaired
the Queens
Committee for
many years
along with the
assistance of Lady
Marie Shoul, Ruth
Ambrose, Myrna
Kelsick and Judy
Johnson, among
others. Many people
are unaware that
Wilkin Griffith was the only male
to chair the queens committee.
Gwen Tonge and Edie Hill-Thibou
coordinated the Children’s Carnival
for many years in addition to
assisting in many other areas of the
festival.
And, where would Calypso in
Antigua and Barbuda be today,
without the sterling contributions of
the late George Martin and Julius
Marcus Christopher, who also
played a major role in the overall
development of calypso and mas.
Hon. Emmanuel Lake served in
many capacities as well as St.
Clair Allen, Morella Wilson, Sam
Benjamin, Reginald Knight, Lounel
Stevens, Gerald Price, Frank
Agard, Thousand (the blacksmith),
Reginald Cornelius, Len Ablack
of Trinidad and Tobago, Clarence
and Helen Johnson, George
Kelsick, Reginald Samuel and
Edward T. Henry. Ralph Murphy
got the troupes and groups
on the road for many years.
Maurice Michael, who started
the first Jaycees Chapter on the
island, introduced the Jaycees
Queen Show, adding a sought
of regional flare to the Carnival
celebration.
Dame Yvonne Maginley
Many others have made their mark
on the celebration over the years
and special mention must also
be made of Selvyn Walter, who
introduced the Teenage Pageant
competition in the early seventies
and is also the founder of the
Halcyon Steel Orchestra.
Indeed, Carnival has evolved
into a frolicking, financially viable,
merry-making annual event, more
glamorous and exciting each year
with the quality of the competitions,
parades and shows, as
well as the spectacular
cultural and dramatic
musical events.
This year, as Antigua
celebrates the Golden
Jubilee of this great
festival, Carnival, it is
my fervent wish that
everyone, citizens,
residents and visitors
alike, enjoy a
wonderful and funfilled
summer festival.
To all those, who have contributed
over the years, I am sure that every
Antiguan and Barbudan will join me
in saying ‘thank you.’
Lord Melody in 1957,
Antigua's First Road
March King - Song:
"Your Crazy,
Crazy Love"