CARNIVAL BOOKLET2-426

Photo Courtesy of Orlando Peters
Carnival Parade Dynamic Duo
Athneil “Addie” Ottley & Lillian “Lillie” Moolenaar
Who are they? Amiga and Amigo?
Compardo and Comardo? Lillie and Addie
as they are affectionately known are
true Savaneros, who definitely believe in
the culture, traditions, and customs of the
Virgin Islands. We have seen these two
familiar faces every Carnival now for more
than 20 years as hosts of WTJX’s Carnival
Parade coverage.
Addie is the consummate radio and TV
personality, whose voice resonates with
many Virgin Islanders searching for
answers to concerns, learning about Virgin
Islands history or commenting on Carnival
activities. During Carnival it is expected
that Addie will get each parade morning off
to a roaring start as he prepares the viewing
and listening audience for the amazing treat
approaching Post Office Square.
Lillian V. Moolenaar, better known to all
as “Lillie, who likes to be in ting” is an
educator who began as a host with WTJX
on the parade route in 1994. Within three
(3) years, she was promoted to sit and share
commentary with Addie, for all genres-
-Carnival, culture, VI history, music, education
and island-life, among the various
topics of WTJX’s broadcast live coverage.
From their vantage point atop the WTJX
broadcasting stand, they bring to life the
sights of the parades for those who may
be hospitalized, shut-in, those who may be
care takers of family members, and those
from the military or various parts of the
world. Their skillfulness with technology
acknowledges Virgin Islanders who may
be away streaming the parades into their
homes or offices using the internet and
exciting messages that are shared live. This
duo creates dialog about the village, the local
calypso tents, the horse race, Jouvert….
you name it….once Lillie and Addie start
their vibrant coverage, they fill homes,
offices, hospitals, with spirited comments
that have many singing and dancing from
wherever they may be viewing.
Addie and Lillie not only speak about the
culture during this festive time but they recognize
our local people, visitors, “homies”
who were away for years and have returned
to participate or witness these activities.
With their lively commentary and vivid descriptions
they share the vibrant colors, the
images of the floupes, troupes, individual
Carnival entries and the “sidewalk posse”.
With the help of their co-hosts on the street
level, their coverage makes you feel like
you are actually are on the parade route in
person.
Although the viewers can watch the parades
on TV, this dynamic duo add “colorful”
details that make the experience even
more real. Addie and Lillie emphasize that
their intentions are to make the viewers and
listeners feel that they are actually on the
parade route. This event is one they look
forward to every year, bringing the culture
and tradition of Virgin Islands Carnival into
the homes of the Virgin Islands, neighboring
islands and those streaming live via the
internet. Both expressed that they know
that because of situations and unforeseen
circumstances, some persons do not come
out to the parades, but with their commentary,
these persons can become a part of the
experience.
Lillie and Addie also expressed that they
get a great sense of satisfaction knowing
that what they do is also bringing joy to
the viewing and listening audience. Their
observations, not only of the parades, but
the entire atmosphere especially in the Post
Office Square is an attempt to help the
viewers relax at home and still be a part of
the festivities.
They also would recall all of the Carnival
events for the week, and some of yesteryears.
With their live commentary and
recollections of the past, they create a sense
of nostalgia for Virgin Islanders who cannot
be present and bring back memories of
who they are, where they came from and
why we celebrate such a cultural event.
Thanks to WTJX, for these two Carnival
icons who know our people, our culture
and our Virgin Islands. Their voices of the
Carnival parades’ coverage will continue
to resonate in our homes this year and the
years to come and we salute them.
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 41