Moontown

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) — UN humanitarian chief John Holmes has chided aid agencies working in Haiti for poor coordination and resourcing, which he said weakened confidence in their ability to deliver, according to a leaked e-mail.

Holmes called on the agencies to take a more aggressive approach to helping Haiti.

Holmes, who recently visited the country after its disastrous January 12 earthquake, confirmed to Reuters on Thursday that the e-mail, first published on the website of the journal Foreign Policy, was genuine and had not been intended to be made public.

He said the e-mail, which began “Dear colleagues,” was addressed to the main UN and other agencies working on relief for survivors of the Haiti quake, which killed more than 200,000 people and left more than 1 million homeless.

UN relief operations in Haiti were hard hit from the outset when the world body’s mission chief and more than 90 other staff there were killed in the quake. UN officials have since said that steady progress is being made.

But Holmes said that while much had been achieved, there remained “major unmet humanitarian needs,” particularly on shelter and sanitation, which with the rainy season approaching could give rise to “large demonstrations.”

“I fear we have simply not yet injected the necessary resources in some areas in terms of capacity to implement practical programs and deliver on the ground,” said Holmes, a Briton who heads the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

“I ask you all to take a fresh hard look at what you are able to do in the key areas, and pursue a much more aggressive approach to meeting the needs.”

Holmes focused particularly on the system of “clusters,” first devised after the 2004 Asian tsunami, whereby relief needs are divided into key sectors, each headed by a single organization, usually a UN agency. There are 12 such clusters in Haiti.

Holmes said he was disappointed that little progress had been made on coordinating the various aid groups within each cluster, and that cluster chiefs “continue to struggle without the capacity required.”

“Several clusters have yet to establish a concise overview of needs and develop coherent response plans, strategies and gap analyses,” he said. “This is beginning to show and is leading others to doubt our ability to deliver.”

“We cannot … wait for the next emergency for these lessons to be learned,” Holmes said. “There is an urgent need to boost significantly capacity on the ground, to improve coordination, strategic planning and provision of aid.”

Holmes called on the agencies leading the clusters to strengthen their teams. “We can scale our efforts up further and we must do so urgently,” he said.

Holmes, former US President Bill Clinton who is the top UN envoy on Haiti, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon were due to announce a revised “flash” — or emergency — appeal for Haiti later on Thursday. This is expected to boost the target figure from $575 million to $1.4 billion, UN officials said. (Caribnet)

Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo. AFP PHOTO

Jagdeo, on Thursday, met with farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector to discuss his government’s intervention and to look at ways the state and other stakeholders can work together to deal with the challenge.

The phenomenon, which started in August 2009, is causing the Guyana government millions but the president assured the gathering that his government has taken serious note of the situation which is affecting not just Guyana but the entire Caribbean.

He made reference to Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding’s remarks about the challenges in the provision of potable water on that island.

Jagdeo said rainfall predictions are uncertain and “we have to pretend as though this would last for a very long time in the future,” and take actions in keeping with that approach…“It will require some tough action and sacrifices on the part of citizens because conserving water, careful use of water, better management of water will all be very important lessons we have to learn and learn quickly in this period.”

He explained that the first priority at this time is to acquire drinking water and the sustenance of economic activities.

He said efforts are continuing to ensure that mechanical pumps are deployed across the country to stockpile water and moves are afoot to secure the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) supply so that residents can received potable water as the phenomenon “is likely to continue indefinitely so we can’t take chances.”

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud met with the Israeli ambassador to Guyana Amiram Magid, on Tuesday to seek a transfer of technology to deal with the problem.

A statement from the Minister’s office said among the issues discussed was “the transfer of technology and collaboration in the area of water management taking into consideration the current drought like conditions affecting Guyana’s agriculture sector.”

According to the statement discussion were also held on supporting the Agricultural diversification drive to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to export food to the Caribbean and further afield.

”As a result of Israel’s expertise in water management assistance and technology support will be considered in dealing with the current El Nino. Meanwhile, the possibilities of increasing the areas of cooperation within the agriculture sector between the two countries will be examined closely,” the statement added.

Thousands of acres of paddy fields were forced to remain unsowed due to the shortage of water across the country and despite the government’s efforts farmers were unable to return to their fields.

Vegetable farms and animal ranches were also forced to shut down.

Predictions from the local meteorological office have shown the dry weather will continue until the end of March.

The government has also embarked on efforts to ration water use and the recycling of irrigation water to cushion the problem. (Caribnet)

Guyana Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad. GINA Photo

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad stated that tourism supports thousands of jobs and generates revenues, attracting both local and foreign investors. “I believe that tourism is the industry of the future in Guyana,” Minister Prashad said.

These sentiments were expressed by the Minister during his presentation on the 2010 National Budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday. Debates are currently ongoing on the record $142.8B budget which represents an increase of 10.8 percent over last year’s $128.9B budget.

The Minister stated that last year the Ministry of Tourism took a soft approach to the implementation of the Tourism Regulations in Guyana to ensure that all stakeholders were educated and sensitized. However, this year will see the enforcement of these regulations to ensure the improvement of quality, standards, service, and safety in the hospitality sector.

Prashad said that 2009 was a successful and eventful year for the tourism sector as the Ministry embarked on a strategy of realizing the sector’s potential. He pointed out that last year was a record breaking year for arrivals in Guyana with a nine percent increase over 2008. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) which contracted an Oxford Economics Company to conduct an assessment on the Caribbean’s Tourism Outlook, Guyana is ranked with three other countries which registered increases for the year; Jamaica, Cuba and Saba. Guyana recorded the highest percentage in increase in arrivals in the Caribbean despite the global economic and financial crisis.

“This is a huge achievement for Guyana, taking into consideration that tourism is fairly new in Guyana. This record breaking visitor arrivals point to visitors’ confidence in Guyana as well as the success of the marketing initiatives and programmes of the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority in collaboration with the private sector,” the Minister said.

Domestic tourism is critical to the success of any destination and over the past few years the Ministry of Tourism has been encouraging Guyanese to travel, explore and discover their own country.

Prashad announced that 2009 was a record year for domestic tourism promotions as thousands of Guyanese travelled to various destinations for attractions and events within Guyana. Some of the areas and events that recorded increased visits locally were the Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls through the Kaieteur special; Orealla, Cow Falls, and Wanatoba Resort; Mahdia, Moruca, and Wakenaam Expositions; Rockstone Fish Festival; Pakaraima Mountain Safari; Bartica, Mainstay and Orealla Regattas; and the Rodeo.

Greater diversification and tourism expansion were also achieved in 2009 in key areas including bird-watching, eco, adventure, agro and sports tourism.

Guyana is now being compared with Peru and Ecuador and is the hottest new bird watching destination. Of recent Guyana has gained a lot of international attention, with over 830 species of birds and today several large international companies are selling bird watching tours to Guyana with the slogan “Guyana – a birdwatcher’s paradise”.

In the area of eco-tourism Guyana has become a hotspot and a new and sought after destination with the largest pristine tract of tropical rainforest, high number of biodiversity species, amazing wildlife, pristine rivers, mountain ranges, savannahs, wetlands, and indigenous communities with low carbon lifestyle.

Mountain climbing, trekking, canoeing, jungle survival, safaris, river trips, fishing, cattle ranches, wildlife watching, rapids, waterfalls, flora, and fauna, and pristine rainforests make Guyana a paradise for the adventure seekers and in 2009 the Ministry also re-branded ‘Guyana’ as “Guyana – The Amazon Adventure”.

Guyana is known for its rich and viewable wildlife and tourists are often fascinated by the amazing diversity in Guyana since it is known to be the home for the giants of the Amazon including the Harpy Eagle, Anaconda, Black Caiman, Arapaima, Giant Ant Eater, Capybara, Jaguar and the Victoria Regia Lilly.

“More communities are turning to tourism as a sustainable means of livelihood and employment. I am pleased to inform the House that two Amerindian communities received international tourism awards in 2009, Surama – for community based and eco-tourism and Yupukari – for conservation of wildlife (black caiman). The Ministry would have also given local tourism awards to Whyaka, Yupukari and Surama for their work in community based tourism,” Minister Prashad said.

Agriculture in Guyana has a natural fit with tourism and this niche market is being developed by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Farm based experience including fishing, visits to fruit farms, farm stay, swimming and camping is being promoted at Rock View, Whyaka, Splashmins, Bounty Farm and many other resorts nationwide.

The Minister stated that sports fishing has tremendous potential for Guyana and in 2009 filming and promotion was done by Reel Adventures which was shown on national television to over 15 million households in the USA.

“I am pleased to announce that coming out of the recent filming; Rewa has been identified as one of the top spots for sports fishing in the world. A sport fishing plan is currently being developed by the Ministry of Tourism and the GTA and several investors have expressed an interest in investing in this area in consultation and partnership with the local community,” Minister Prashad said.

Guyana has also been attracting al lot of tourists by the hosting of sport events in the areas of cricket, motor racing, football, horse racing, hockey and rugby.

Last year, Guyana welcomed the cruise ship “Spirit of the Adventure” which docked at the GNSC wharf for a day and the Ministry of Tourism is currently working with international tour companies to attract more small and medium-sized cruise liners to Guyana. Additionally, yachts continue to arrive especially in the Essequibo River and Bartica area.

The Tourism Minister also stated that Guyana has seen an increase in the number of new investments within the tourism sector over the past year including new guest facilities constructed at Kaieteur; the Princess Hotel and Casino; the Pegasus Hotel now under local ownership; several new hotels and guest houses increasing the stock of rooms; and improved air access with Delta, Sky Services, and Blue Wing providing services.

“Guyana is now a more popular and known tourist destination as a result of excellent and effective marketing, promotions and leveraging in the international arena,” Minister Prashad said.

Guyana attended several travel shows which resulted in over 45 international tour companies proactively selling destination Guyana. This sales distribution network is critical to tourism’s development and growth and today, some of the largest tour companies are selling Guyana, including Saga Holidays, Wildlife Worldwide, Bird Holidays, Travelling Naturalist, American Birding Society, Ecoventures, Geographic Expeditions, Mass Audubon Tours, Manu Expeditions, and Naturetrek.

Additionally, Guyana hosted an international familarisation tour comprising tour operators, journalists, researchers and conservationists which would serve to provide excellent travel stories on Guyana and help to raise its profile.

“I am pleased to inform the House that Guyana was granted ‘approved destination status’ by China in September 2009, which allows Chinese tourists to travel to Guyana. International Surveys have shown that China is also slated to become the largest outbound tourist market in the world by 2020. This provides an excellent avenue to boost arrivals and investment in Guyana,” Minister Prashad.

The Ministry and the GTA conducted training at the airports, customs, immigration, airlines, restaurants, hotels, and taxi services in the areas of tour guiding, events management, event planning, first aid, and customer services for staffers in the hospitality sector. There are plans to train over 1000 persons in the hospitality industry in 2010. (Caribnet)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) — Providing shelter for hundreds of thousands of homeless earthquake victims in Haiti jumped to the top of the country’s relief priorities on Thursday after heavy rain turned makeshift survivors’ camps into muddy quagmires.

Several hours of overnight rain, much of it torrential, battered the thousands of crude cloth tents and huts in the quake-shattered capital Port-au-Prince, turning the ground between them to mud and soaking their occupants.

It was the second downpour in a week. The prospect of more rains on the way has added urgency to the government’s appeal for tents and temporary living structures in which to house the homeless, estimated at more than 1 million following the catastrophic January 12 earthquake that hit the country.

The Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center, which groups the US military, the United Nations, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and other foreign governments and aid groups in an international relief effort, said it was moving to address the critical shelter and sanitation issues before the rainy season begins in mid-March.

“The rain has been falling. When we get two, three days of it, what will this be like?” Jean Pierre Rosier said as he and other residents of a ramshackle survivors’ camp in the Delmas 33 neighborhood waded through ankle-deep muddy water.

Morning sunshine allowed the camp residents to dry some of their sodden clothes and possessions and hurriedly dig drainage ditches. But Haiti’s leaders have put providing adequate shelter for the quake homeless at the top of their requests to foreign governments and relief organizations.

“Every time I meet with foreign leaders and delegations, I tell them that is the most urgent need,” President Rene Preval told Reuters late on Wednesday.

“Now that we’ve attended to the wounded, taken away the dead, and we’re distributing food and water, the problem of shelter, the tents, is the most urgent,” he said.

The magnitude 7 earthquake that hammered the Western Hemisphere’s poorest state last month killed more than 212,000 people and wrecked much of the crowded capital, the country’s main economic and population center.

Economists from the Inter-American Development Bank have estimated damages from the quake could reach $14 billion, making it proportionately one of the most destructive natural disasters in modern times.

Haiti’s leaders say they have still not received enough tents, tarpaulins and temporary structures. Aid groups acknowledge the deficit but say the sheer scale of the disaster means they cannot immediately fill all the huge needs at once.

Canadian Army Brigadier General Nicolas Matern, who is attached to the US military and is deputy commanding general for humanitarian assistance in Haiti, said the international relief operation has a plan to respond to the rains threat.

“We feel under the gun … but we are moving as fast as we can,” he told reporters in a briefing.

Working with international aid partners, the US military and United Nations plan to bring in tents, plastic sheeting and portable toilets as part of a multi-pronged strategy to provide better shelter to survivors and “decompress” affected zones of the city by starting to clear some of the rubble.

“We’re trying to give two tarpaulins per family so that at least they can hide under something during the rainy season. … That is the best we can do given the magnitude of the problem,” Matern said.

He added there is enough rubble in the city to “fill 1,000 trucks for 1,000 days.”

USAID disaster relief coordinator Tim Callaghan said his organization planned to bring in 12,800 rolls of plastic sheeting by February 27, and the international relief operation planned to supply 4,500 portable toilets as well.

Military engineers also plan to supervise drainage to prevent flash floods from causing another humanitarian disaster.

In some areas, neat encampments of uniform foreign-provided tents have begun to sprout but the majority of the survivors’ camps are still sprawling squalid affairs, with most of the crude shelters hastily constructed from any scrap of fabric or plastic the occupants have been able to lay hands on.

They are packed together haphazardly, often close to raw open sewers and many lacking even basic sanitation. (Caribnet)

Julien Neaves jneaves@trinidadexpress.com

‘IN GOOD SPIRITS’: Arthur NR Robinson

FORMER president Arthur NR Robinson was resting comfortably at a medical facility last night, after collapsing yesterday morning during a funeral service in Maraval.

Robinson was at the Church of the Assumption attending the funeral ceremony for Charles Alleyne, son of Doddridge Alleyne, former head of the Public Service and adviser to late prime minister Dr Eric Williams.

Officiating priest Fr Garfield Rochard, told the Express that Robinson collapsed around 10 a.m. and an ambulance arrived about five minutes later. He recalled that while the former president was being carried out on the stretcher to the ambulance, he had regained consciousness and was in ’happy spirits’, clapping and joining in a praise hymn.

He was taken to the St Clair Medical Centre, where he was warded at the Intensive Care Unit while doctors were awaiting test results. Robinson reportedly complained of chest pains.

In a release yesterday, the Government Information Services Limited (GISL) said Robinson was accompanied to the hospital by his daughter, Ann Margaret, his private secretary and Lenore Dorset, protocol officer to President George Maxwell Richards. He was also visited by Information Minister Neil Parsanlal, who described the former president as lucid and aware of what was happening around him, GISL noted.

Parsanlal had informed the media on Robinson’s behalf that rumours of his death had been greatly exaggerated. When the Express visited St Clair Medical Centre yesterday afternoon, a female visitor asked whether he was dead.

Former National Alliance for Reconstruction minister and former Caribbean Communications Network chairman, Ken Gordon, also visited Robinson, arriving at 4.45 p.m.

’He’s ill and I want to see him,’ he told members of the media.

Gordon returned about 10 minutes later and said that while Robinson was at the centre to get attention, ’there’s absolutely no truth to any serious rumours (of Robinson’s death) like that’. He noted that he did question him if he was in any pain, but he was in good spirits.

Robinson, who turned 83 last December, has been ailing for some time. He has suffered in the past from a number of ailments, including high blood pressure and glaucoma, and has had surgery to correct heart complications and prostate problems. Robinson was also a former prime minister and Tobago House of Assembly chairman. -with reporting by Joel Julien (Trinidad Express)

Juhel Browne jbrowne@trinidadexpress.com

Three special interest groups, including the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA), had requested a total of $3 million from the State-owned Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) to broadcast the main Carnival events. The other two special interest groups involved in the negotiations with CNMG were the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organisation (TUCO) and PanTrinbago.

NCBA president Owen Hinds confirmed the figure in an interview with the Express yesterday, hours after Information Minister Neil Parsanlal disclosed the same information at yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.

’One million (dollars) for each of the interest groups. That is what the interest groups had actually asked (for). I wasn’t on the committee that met, but I was told that by the person who represented the NCBA,’ Hinds said.

Parsanalal said yesterday ’it wasn’t an open bid’ and confirmed the interest groups approached CNMG to negotiate the exclusive rights for the Carnival broadcasts. He said a total fee of $500,000 was finally negotiated, with no expectations that CNMG would make a profit.

’We have production costs that totalled about $1.5 million for the entire Carnival season. We paid the special interest groups, or we are in the process of paying the special interest groups $500,000. So that’s $2 million it cost us. We made $125,000 in selling the rights (to other stations such as Synergy TV). We are still tallying the advertising revenue,’ Parsanlal said.

Parsanlal was at the time responding to CNMG’s decision to issue two legal letters to the Gayelle television station on Carnival Tuesday, which warned that its broadcast of the Parade of the Bands had infringed on the exclusive rights the State-owned entity obtained from the NCBA for that event.

Gayelle co-owner Errol Fabien told the Express on Wednesday he planned to send a legal letter to CNMG requesting the document on which it based the legal letter it sent on Tuesday as he said the issue at hand is whether anyone can claim exclusive rights on a public street.

Asked about Fabien’s position on the matter, Parsanlal said yesterday: ’It does, in fact, provide for good case law. It’s something that can be tested, and it is something that the Government and CNMG would be quite willing to learn from.’

Parsanlal said while other broadcasters such as Synergy TV entered into arrangements with CNMG to also broadcast events, Gayelle did not, but stressed no ban had been placed on news coverage of the Carnival events.

National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Howard Chin Lee told the Express yesterday the commission was not involved in the negotiations for the broadcast rights but said when requests for proposals were issued to privately owned broadcasters to pay for those rights for Carnival in the past two years, ’no interest was shown’.

-WB

NOT everything was glamorous at last night’s Beyonce I AM Concert at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

Indeed, before the R&B mega star hit the stage, fans who forked out as much as $1,600 for tickets, had much to be unhappy about.

There were long, snail-paced lines for gyros, doubles and beef sandwiches. There was also darkness in VVIP section, causing patrons to trip over, and then there was the dust which some patrons endured.

People who lined up to get food complained that they did not fork out $1,600 to be treated in such a manner.

Comedienne Rachel Price said she could not believe her eyes when she saw the long lines.

’This is ridiculous. This can’t be what I paid $1,600 for. Look how people jostling for gyros over there. I don’t feel like I am in VIP,’ Price said.

There were also stagnant long lines at the various entrances up to half hour before the concert was scheduled to start. When it was realised time was short, security began to bark at patrons, hustling them along.(Trinidad Express)

Kim Boodram

fashionistas: This group of ladies show off their fashionable clothing before the start of the Beyonce I AM Concert at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, yesterday. -Photo: Anisto Alves

They were both understated and over the top yesterday as thousands of Beyonce fans flooded the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain for the American superstar’s first and much-anticipated local concert.

Women clearly outnumbered the men and for some, it was an opportunity to rock new levels of fashion that are not usually warranted at local events.

Many admitted that comfort had been cast aside for the night as they strolled gingerly across the bumpy Savannah ground in shoes that were themselves a style statement.

The most daring ventured out in sky-high stilettos, topped with knee-high boot sleeves and gladiator straps, while those hoping to be a little more comfortable opted for towering wedges.

’I hope I can still stand in two hours,’ said one glamourous patron in needle-like six-inch heels.

Few and far between, there were some ’fashionistas’ who chose sensible flats and slippers.

While it was clear, too, that Beyonce herself had inspired many of the outfits on display, most patrons who spoke to the Express swore they were draped in their own styles.

’This is entirely me,’ said Sophia Mustapha, decked in a mix of goth rock and R&B glam and still wearing the colourfully streaked hair of Carnival.

’I’m a bit of a rock girl.’

Another posse that drew glances channelled their own video-girl vibes in short-shorts, bathing-suit tops and knee-high boots.

’I had my outfit made for this show,’ said Nisha Scipio.

The cost of some of the outfits were even more than the $1,600 price of a VVIP ticket.

’Hmmm, I’m almost embarrassed to say it,’ said one well-accessorised female patron in a dress that looked painted on.

’Let’s just say the shoes and the dress cost about the same as the ticket. But, hey, when will I go to a concert like this again?’

Not to be outdone, the men, usually in the company of a group of ladies, smelled great and looked crisp. Most wore jeans with a fetching designer shirt or T-shirt and more than one appeared to have paid a recent visit to the hairdresser.

From as early as 3.30 p.m., hundreds had already gathered outside the venue. Many feared there would be chaos due to the number of people but were pleasantly surprised with the smooth start. By 5 p.m., the gates were opened and the massive crowd began to file in. Show managers posted around the two entrances directed patrons to their gates while security guards in and around kept an eye.

Police officers kept the traffic moving by making sure motorists did not create unauthorised drop-off zones while some patrons chose to park along Cipriani Boulevard and walk to the Savannah.

As is usually the case with events of this size, an ecosystem of vendors cropped up outside. The ticket ’scalpers’ were also out in full force and doing brisk business. Some were able to hawk tickets at up to $400 more than their original prices. At least one desperate patron was willing to pay up to $2,200 for a VVIP ticket. By 6.30 p.m., some ’scalpers’ were even trying to buy these tickets from patrons.

’That one selling hot,’ said one such vendor.

Looking to milk the evening to the maximum, one vendor of chewing gum and cigarettes upped the price of a large pack of DuMaurier cigarettes to $30.

’And I only selling whole pack, no half-pack,’ she informed one customer.

By 7 p.m. the bulk of the crowd had vanished inside the gates, but a strong and steady stream continued to flow in.

Opposite the venue, a few lucky residents gathered on balconies and rooftops from where a bird’s eye view of the stage was to be had-and from where they could no doubt enjoy the show barefoot if they pleased. (Trinidad Express)

Wayne Bowman wayne.bowman@trinidadexpress.com

At last: Beyonce Knowles performs before a large crowd at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, last night. -Photo: Roberto Codallo

Dressed in a gold one-piece swimwear-like outfit, mega star Beyonce, in her first ever performance in Trinidad and Tobago, took the Queen’s Park Savannah stage at the b-Mobile sponsored event at 8.23 last night.

The United States-born R&B sensation kicked off her set with ’Crazy Love’, sending thousands of patrons wild with screams. She and two of her female dancers then raised the temperature with sultry dance moves as she sang ’Sexy Boy’.

An all woman band commanded the audience alongside Beyonce, delivering hard-edged R&B music sharpened with rock and blues.

’This is my first time performing here and I can see you all can party. This show is very special to me, because it’s the last stop of the I AM tour,’ Beyonce told the fans.

Along with her band, Beyonce had with her a troupe of dancers that included look-alikes and men. A huge video screen projected images and scenes that blended with the stage setting.

When Beyonce, whose stage persona is Sasha Fierce, performed ’I Wanna Run’, she appeared on a stepped platform overlooking the stage dressed in white, with an animated beach scene behind her.

She then moved into an adapted cover of ’Ave Maria’, for which bridal adornments were added to the outfit. Beyonce added a verse of ’In the Arms of an Angel’ to the piece.

Earlier, soca superstar Machel Montano took to the stage for his opening act performance at 6 p.m., with a grand fanfare that included an intro featuring Optimus Prime and ending with Destra Garcia joining him on stage to sing ’Is Carnival’.

It was the first time in three years that the two soca stars had performed together on stage.

After the introduction, the band then struck up the music for ’No Behaviour’, as the HD Dancers took the stage. Then Montano appeared dressed in a silver outfit.

With the crowd screaming, Montano sang, ’I Missed You’. He then moved into ’The Road’ followed by ’Doh Hold Me Back’.

By this time, more people were getting into the groove and the band moved into ’Fly Away’. Next up was ’Slow Wine’, opening the way for Patrice Roberts to enter and exit within one minute.

Montano took the focus again to do some new music as well, including ’Pepper’ with Serani’s vocals superimposed, followed by ’Ramajay’. Jamaican dancehall artiste Busy Signal then joined Montano with dancers to perform ’Whoii Gyul Whoii’.

’I can’t remember when last I’ve felt so happy. I took time off to reflect. You are no longer just fans, you are my family. This next song is for Haiti. Haiti will rise again,’ Montano told the crowd.

Montano then sat at a piano to sing ’I Love You’, which he originally did in tribute to producer $hel $hoc, who died last year. Joining him on vocals was Umi Marcano.

Next was ’Too Young To Soca’ alongside Timell Rivas, followed by ’Real Unity’ with Pranava. From there it was pure pace, beginning with ’One More Time’ and continuing with ’Dance With You’, ’Congoman’, ’Is Carnival’ and more. (Trinidad Express)