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OCT-DEC 2014 - ISSUE 7

WILL MAS EVER GO GREEN?The potential contribution of the Mas Costuming Industry to our local environmental issues.

Innovation in mas3D printing and what it may mean for the future of Mas.

WHY Ebola CAN’T STOP OUR MASThe risks have been weighed and measured, and found to be negligible.

Respecting the Culture, Respecting the Business of Mas

& CAROthe mas band

T R A N S F O R M I N G M A S B U S I N E S S

This information is of a general nature only and is not intended as a substitute for professional informa-tion about Carnival and Mas Business. Eidetic Publishing has made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate and up to date. To the extent permitted by law, Eidetic Publishing, their employees, agents and advertis-ers accept no liability (even if negligent) for any injury, loss or damage caused by reliance on any part of this information. Mas Quarterly also contains information supplied by third parties. This information is identified with the name of the source and has been chosen for publication because we believe it to be reliable.

Mas Quarterly is to be published 4 times a year by Eidetic Publishing, Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. Entire contents are copyright. Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited. Eidetic Publishing is in no way affiliated with companies or products covered in Mas Quarterly. Produced and printed in Trinidad and Tobago.

Editorial Team

Mahindra Satram-MaharajJean-Paul Pouchet

Gisele WilliamsKennedy Pemberton

Shiva CharlesDeanna Dass

Publisher

Eidetic Publishing

Editing & Design

Eidetic Creative

Writers

Kennedy PembertonJean Paul-Pouchet

Dr. Hollis Urban LiverpoolShiva CharlesCarol Quash

Roslyn Carrington

Marketing Consultant

Jean-Paul Pouchet

Photography

Arthur Sukhbir

Andy Michael Roberts

091012141618202428303640 07

M A S Q U A R T E R L Y - I S S U E 7M A S Q U A R T E R L Y - I S S U E 7

InsideT R A N S F O R M I N G M A S I N T O B U S I N E S S

Chairman’s Message

Will Mas Ever Go Green?

Mas & Business

Regional Mas - Tobago

Tech On The Road This Carnival

3D Printing

Ronnie & Caro The Mas Band

Ebola And The Masquerader

Securing Your Carnival Event With Liability Insurance

Real Vibes

The Decline Of Cultural Literacy

Training Tips

This information is of a general nature only and is not intended as a substitute for professional informa-tion about Carnival and Mas Business. Eidetic Publishing has made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate and up to date. To the extent permitted by law, Eidetic Publishing, their employees, agents and advertis-ers accept no liability (even if negligent) for any injury, loss or damage caused by reliance on any part of this information. Mas Quarterly also contains information supplied by third parties. This information is identified with the name of the source and has been chosen for publication because we believe it to be reliable.

Mas Quarterly is to be published 4 times a year by Eidetic Publishing, Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. Entire contents are copyright. Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited. Eidetic Publishing is in no way affiliated with companies or products covered in Mas Quarterly. Produced and printed in Trinidad and Tobago.

Editorial Team

Mahindra Satram-MaharajJean-Paul Pouchet

Gisele WilliamsKennedy Pemberton

Shiva CharlesDeanna Dass

Publisher

Eidetic Publishing

Editing & Design

Eidetic Creative

Writers

Kennedy PembertonJean Paul-Pouchet

Dr. Hollis Urban LiverpoolShiva CharlesCarol Quash

Roslyn Carrington

Marketing Consultant

Jean-Paul Pouchet

Photography

Arthur Sukhbir

Andy Michael Roberts

091012141618202428303640 07

InsideT R A N S F O R M I N G M A S I N T O B U S I N E S S

Chairman’s Message

Will Mas Ever Go Green?

Mas & Business

Regional Mas - Tobago

Tech On The Road This Carnival

3D Printing

Ronnie & Caro The Mas Band

Ebola And The Masquerader

Securing Your Carnival Event With Liability Insurance

Real Vibes

The Decline Of Cultural Literacy

Training Tips

M A S Q U A R T E R L Y - I S S U E 7

Mahindra Satram-MaharajChairman/CEOMas Transformation Secretariat Chairman’s Message

The number seven is often said to represent completion, and on

this occasion we are pleased to welcome you to Mas Quarterly

Issue 7. Much has happened across Trinidad and Tobago’s

Masquerade landscape during 2014, and having successfully

completed band launch season in September, the nation is

primed and ready for Carnival 2015.

This time around, our spotlight feature highlights the dynamic

duo known as ‘Ronnie & Caro – The Mas Band’, as they prepare

to chip, jump, wine, and wave come Carnival Monday and

Tuesday. This power couple has been producing Mas for over

10 years, and have adopted the stance that Mas is a business

deserving of national respect. But don’t take our word for it;

ask the large number of Masqueraders that have hurled

‘Ronnie & Caro’ into the large Mas band category.

Also, the Mas Transformation Secretariat is mandated to protect

the reputation of Mas, and is pleased to share some key

findings from its study on the potential environmental impacts

of our Mas costuming industry. So join us on page 10 for the

thought-provoking notion of Mas going ‘Green’. Similarly, page

12 reveals details of our partnership with the Project

Management Institute – Southern Caribbean Chapter (PMI SCC),

which signals the commencement of a new era focused on Mas

as a business.

Mas Quarterly Issue 7 is pleased to highlight Regional Mas in

Tobago, and we warn all potential Masqueraders that ‘Trinbago’

Mas should be truly experienced by sampling celebrations in

both islands. In fact, be sure to consult page 16 for advice on

the latest ‘tech’ to help you document and share your ‘Trinbago

Mas experience’.

However, if producing Mas is your preference, then ‘3D

Printing’ may be the answer to some of your problems. What is

3D printing? Can it really be applied to Mas? These questions

and more are up for discussion, and we encourage you to join

us as we challenge what is, in pursuit of what can be.

Sadly, Mas is not immune to scrutiny or global exogenous

shocks. Thus, while some in Trinidad and Tobago questioned

whether or not Carnival would continue unimpeded by recent

Ebola outbreaks, the answer remains positive after much

consultation and contingency planning. Diseases like Ebola are

a clear threat to any nation, but having adopted an approach

based on facts rather than fear, Trinidad and Tobago stands

ready to welcome the world in February 2015.

Finally, this edition of Mas Quarterly also presents two special

contributions. Firstly, page 28 highlights the importance of

Carnival event liability mitigation through the eyes of George

Smith, Risk and Underwriting Manager at TRINRE Insurance.

Secondly, Dr. Hollis Urban Liverpool, Professor of Calypso Arts,

brilliantly argues a philosophical perspective of how the

University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is actively developing

creative literacy throughout our nation.

As always, sincere thanks to our corporate advertisers,

especially our outgoing 2014 Corporate Champion,

Pan-American Life Insurance Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

Likewise, we salute the support of Massy Motors, TRINRE

Insurance, TDC, Beacon Insurance, the Ministry of Arts and

Multiculturalism, and the UTT. We take this opportunity to wish

each of you a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New

Year. Enjoy the magazine, and we look forward to receiving

your advertisements and articles for Mas Quarterly Issue 8.

Mahindra Satram-MaharajChairman/CEOMas Transformation Secretariat Chairman’s Message

The number seven is often said to represent completion, and on

this occasion we are pleased to welcome you to Mas Quarterly

Issue 7. Much has happened across Trinidad and Tobago’s

Masquerade landscape during 2014, and having successfully

completed band launch season in September, the nation is

primed and ready for Carnival 2015.

This time around, our spotlight feature highlights the dynamic

duo known as ‘Ronnie & Caro – The Mas Band’, as they prepare

to chip, jump, wine, and wave come Carnival Monday and

Tuesday. This power couple has been producing Mas for over

10 years, and have adopted the stance that Mas is a business

deserving of national respect. But don’t take our word for it;

ask the large number of Masqueraders that have hurled

‘Ronnie & Caro’ into the large Mas band category.

Also, the Mas Transformation Secretariat is mandated to protect

the reputation of Mas, and is pleased to share some key

findings from its study on the potential environmental impacts

of our Mas costuming industry. So join us on page 10 for the

thought-provoking notion of Mas going ‘Green’. Similarly, page

12 reveals details of our partnership with the Project

Management Institute – Southern Caribbean Chapter (PMI SCC),

which signals the commencement of a new era focused on Mas

as a business.

Mas Quarterly Issue 7 is pleased to highlight Regional Mas in

Tobago, and we warn all potential Masqueraders that ‘Trinbago’

Mas should be truly experienced by sampling celebrations in

both islands. In fact, be sure to consult page 16 for advice on

the latest ‘tech’ to help you document and share your ‘Trinbago

Mas experience’.

However, if producing Mas is your preference, then ‘3D

Printing’ may be the answer to some of your problems. What is

3D printing? Can it really be applied to Mas? These questions

and more are up for discussion, and we encourage you to join

us as we challenge what is, in pursuit of what can be.

Sadly, Mas is not immune to scrutiny or global exogenous

shocks. Thus, while some in Trinidad and Tobago questioned

whether or not Carnival would continue unimpeded by recent

Ebola outbreaks, the answer remains positive after much

consultation and contingency planning. Diseases like Ebola are

a clear threat to any nation, but having adopted an approach

based on facts rather than fear, Trinidad and Tobago stands

ready to welcome the world in February 2015.

Finally, this edition of Mas Quarterly also presents two special

contributions. Firstly, page 28 highlights the importance of

Carnival event liability mitigation through the eyes of George

Smith, Risk and Underwriting Manager at TRINRE Insurance.

Secondly, Dr. Hollis Urban Liverpool, Professor of Calypso Arts,

brilliantly argues a philosophical perspective of how the

University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is actively developing

creative literacy throughout our nation.

As always, sincere thanks to our corporate advertisers,

especially our outgoing 2014 Corporate Champion,

Pan-American Life Insurance Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

Likewise, we salute the support of Massy Motors, TRINRE

Insurance, TDC, Beacon Insurance, the Ministry of Arts and

Multiculturalism, and the UTT. We take this opportunity to wish

each of you a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New

Year. Enjoy the magazine, and we look forward to receiving

your advertisements and articles for Mas Quarterly Issue 8.

• Green-washing has become a common practice.

Green-washing is a form of public relations 'spin' used to

deceptively promote the idea that an organization's products,

aims, and or policies are environmentally friendly.

• Locally, the Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL)

estimates that approximately one thousand tonnes of waste per

day is taken to our local landfills, with an average of four pounds

of waste per person being generated on a daily basis. SWMCOL

estimates that our largest landfill site, the Beetham Landfill, has

achieved sixty-five percent (65%) capacity, with that capacity

projected to be exceeded within a few years. They admit concern

for the future of waste management in Trinidad and Tobago.

• A look at the global scenario paints a bleak picture. According

to Nature Magazine, global waste is set to triple by the year

2100, with eleven million tonnes of waste being generated

per day. This figure is set again to double by the year 2125.

The World Bank says that municipal trash is being generated

faster than any other environmental pollutant, including

greenhouse gases.

• The conventional means of Mas costume making is inherently

deleterious to the environment, and alternative avenues

should be sought.

Based on the aforementioned findings, the report also suggests

strategies that could yield a more sustainable and

environmentally friendly Mas costuming industry for Trinidad

and Tobago. Recommendations for action include:

• There needs to be an education drive to inform all

stakeholders of the potentially deleterious environmental

effects associated with the usage of conventional materials in

the Mas costuming industry.

• There is a need to incentivise both the usage and supply of

these materials to ensure that any shift towards the use of

substitute materials is sustainable.

• Caution has to be taken with the acceptance of

environmentally friendly certifications. Due diligence should

be undertaken with the careful examination of the ‘green’

certifications being provided by companies.

• SWMCOL has embarked upon the development of a National

Integrated Waste Management System (NIWMS) that will

utilize the 4R approach of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink

to waste management. The Mas Practitioners should utilize a

similar approach to managing the environmental impact of

their costuming industry.

• Finally, market the uniqueness (i.e. costume differentiation

capabilities) of environmentally friendly materials as special

benefits to be received by early adapters in the Mas fraternity.

So to answer the question (i.e. Will Mas ever go ‘green’?) the

Mas Transformation Secretariat is confident that it will happen,

and intends to take the first steps in that direction. After all, Mas

can not exist separate and apart from the natural environment

in which it is housed.

WILL MASEVER G

In March 2014, the Mas Transformation Secretariat commissioned a study to ascertain the potential environmental

impact of Trinidad & Tobago's Mas Costuming Industry through a multifaceted approach. These approaches included

Lifecycle Analysis, Stakeholder Surveys, and a Marketplace Overview. The combination of these analyses gives a

candid look at the potential contribution of the Mas Costuming Industry to our local environmental issues, as well

as the global challenge of environmental degradation we now face.

Visitwww.mastranstt.com

for the full report

his baseline analysis shows that the current practices of

conventional costume production pose significant

environmental risk, both locally and internationally. More

specifically, the materials currently used to produce costumes

reveal potential environmental impacts during their

manufacture, their transportation from international suppliers

to buyers like Trinidad and Tobago, as well as their local usage

and eventual disposal.

Here is a snapshot of the findings:

• Data gathered via survey and interview exercises during this

study reveals that Mas stakeholders are aware of the

environmental issues, but do not fully grasp the magnitude of

the problem.

• There are established lines of supply for numerous

environmentally friendly products worldwide, with novel

products being introduced at international tradeshows geared

towards the introduction of ‘green’ products.

• A Marketplace Overview revealed that materials suppliers in

Trinidad & Tobago offer limited selections of environmentally

friendly products. They are aware of the existence of novel

products, but are wary of the economic viability of stocking

these products.

• Most stakeholders have expressed an interest in modifying

practices toward more environmentally sustainable

methodologies.

• The usage of potential environmentally friendly substitute

materials in Trinidad and Tobago's Mas Costuming Industry

will come at an economic cost, as these materials command

higher prices than traditional materials.

Recommendations:

There is a need to incentivise both the usage and supply

the use of substitute materials is sustainable. of these materials to ensure that any shift towards

findings by Anton Manoo and Laura Rambaran-Seepersad

• Green-washing has become a common practice.

Green-washing is a form of public relations 'spin' used to

deceptively promote the idea that an organization's products,

aims, and or policies are environmentally friendly.

• Locally, the Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL)

estimates that approximately one thousand tonnes of waste per

day is taken to our local landfills, with an average of four pounds

of waste per person being generated on a daily basis. SWMCOL

estimates that our largest landfill site, the Beetham Landfill, has

achieved sixty-five percent (65%) capacity, with that capacity

projected to be exceeded within a few years. They admit concern

for the future of waste management in Trinidad and Tobago.

• A look at the global scenario paints a bleak picture. According

to Nature Magazine, global waste is set to triple by the year

2100, with eleven million tonnes of waste being generated

per day. This figure is set again to double by the year 2125.

The World Bank says that municipal trash is being generated

faster than any other environmental pollutant, including

greenhouse gases.

• The conventional means of Mas costume making is inherently

deleterious to the environment, and alternative avenues

should be sought.

Based on the aforementioned findings, the report also suggests

strategies that could yield a more sustainable and

environmentally friendly Mas costuming industry for Trinidad

and Tobago. Recommendations for action include:

• There needs to be an education drive to inform all

stakeholders of the potentially deleterious environmental

effects associated with the usage of conventional materials in

the Mas costuming industry.

• There is a need to incentivise both the usage and supply of

these materials to ensure that any shift towards the use of

substitute materials is sustainable.

• Caution has to be taken with the acceptance of

environmentally friendly certifications. Due diligence should

be undertaken with the careful examination of the ‘green’

certifications being provided by companies.

• SWMCOL has embarked upon the development of a National

Integrated Waste Management System (NIWMS) that will

utilize the 4R approach of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink

to waste management. The Mas Practitioners should utilize a

similar approach to managing the environmental impact of

their costuming industry.

• Finally, market the uniqueness (i.e. costume differentiation

capabilities) of environmentally friendly materials as special

benefits to be received by early adapters in the Mas fraternity.

So to answer the question (i.e. Will Mas ever go ‘green’?) the

Mas Transformation Secretariat is confident that it will happen,

and intends to take the first steps in that direction. After all, Mas

can not exist separate and apart from the natural environment

in which it is housed.

WILL MASEVER G

In March 2014, the Mas Transformation Secretariat commissioned a study to ascertain the potential environmental

impact of Trinidad & Tobago's Mas Costuming Industry through a multifaceted approach. These approaches included

Lifecycle Analysis, Stakeholder Surveys, and a Marketplace Overview. The combination of these analyses gives a

candid look at the potential contribution of the Mas Costuming Industry to our local environmental issues, as well

as the global challenge of environmental degradation we now face.

Visitwww.mastranstt.com

for the full report

his baseline analysis shows that the current practices of

conventional costume production pose significant

environmental risk, both locally and internationally. More

specifically, the materials currently used to produce costumes

reveal potential environmental impacts during their

manufacture, their transportation from international suppliers

to buyers like Trinidad and Tobago, as well as their local usage

and eventual disposal.

Here is a snapshot of the findings:

• Data gathered via survey and interview exercises during this

study reveals that Mas stakeholders are aware of the

environmental issues, but do not fully grasp the magnitude of

the problem.

• There are established lines of supply for numerous

environmentally friendly products worldwide, with novel

products being introduced at international tradeshows geared

towards the introduction of ‘green’ products.

• A Marketplace Overview revealed that materials suppliers in

Trinidad & Tobago offer limited selections of environmentally

friendly products. They are aware of the existence of novel

products, but are wary of the economic viability of stocking

these products.

• Most stakeholders have expressed an interest in modifying

practices toward more environmentally sustainable

methodologies.

• The usage of potential environmentally friendly substitute

materials in Trinidad and Tobago's Mas Costuming Industry

will come at an economic cost, as these materials command

higher prices than traditional materials.

Recommendations:

There is a need to incentivise both the usage and supply

the use of substitute materials is sustainable. of these materials to ensure that any shift towards

findings by Anton Manoo and Laura Rambaran-Seepersad

Hi there … can you feel that? At this very moment, something

special is happening for Mas bands across Trinidad and Tobago,

thanks to the Mas Transformation Secretariat (Mas Trans) and

the Project Management Institute — Southern Caribbean

Chapter (PMI SCC). If you don’t already know, certified Project

Managers are currently working to strengthen the business

operations of Mas practitioners throughout the nation, and this

is all happening FREE OF CHARGE. But how did this happen, or,

better yet, why should you care?

In December 2013, Mas Trans CEO, Mr. Mahindra

Satram-Maharaj, delivered the feature address at a PMI SCC

Annual General Meeting, and out of that interaction, a clear

consensus emerged. On one hand, Mas Makers were

expressing a desire to strengthen their Band Management

skills, while on the other, PMI SCC members are mandated to

engage in professional development activities that

contribute to national development. Thus, out of a mutual

need, a strategic alliance was forged, and both parties

formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding

on July 9, 2014.

To date, Phase One of the programme is up and running, with

twelve Mas makers having designated Project Manager

Consultants working to help them become more sustainable in

their business practices. Undoubtedly, the Mas Transformation

Secretariat salutes the human capital being contributed to Mas

by these highly qualified and experienced project managers,

and hails the PMI SCC as a visionary organisation that leads by

example. Make no mistake; this venture will shortly move into

its second phase, as Phase One beneficiaries span large adult

Mas bands, small adult Mas bands, theatre companies,

children’s Mas bands, and J’ouvert Mas bands.

So, as thousands of Masqueraders prepare to prance through

the streets for Carnival 2015, allow yourself to expect bigger

and better things in Carnivals to come, courtesy of the Mas

Transformation Secretariat and its partners. If you have played

Mas in Trinidad and Tobago before, this Band Management

Assistance Programme means that the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’

will soon be taking things to the next level. However, if you

have never joined us for this ‘Ultimate Street Party’, then, as

the saying goes … the time is now!

BUSINESSA New Erain the Making

By Kennedy Pemberton

Hi there … can you feel that? At this very moment, something

special is happening for Mas bands across Trinidad and Tobago,

thanks to the Mas Transformation Secretariat (Mas Trans) and

the Project Management Institute — Southern Caribbean

Chapter (PMI SCC). If you don’t already know, certified Project

Managers are currently working to strengthen the business

operations of Mas practitioners throughout the nation, and this

is all happening FREE OF CHARGE. But how did this happen, or,

better yet, why should you care?

In December 2013, Mas Trans CEO, Mr. Mahindra

Satram-Maharaj, delivered the feature address at a PMI SCC

Annual General Meeting, and out of that interaction, a clear

consensus emerged. On one hand, Mas Makers were

expressing a desire to strengthen their Band Management

skills, while on the other, PMI SCC members are mandated to

engage in professional development activities that

contribute to national development. Thus, out of a mutual

need, a strategic alliance was forged, and both parties

formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding

on July 9, 2014.

To date, Phase One of the programme is up and running, with

twelve Mas makers having designated Project Manager

Consultants working to help them become more sustainable in

their business practices. Undoubtedly, the Mas Transformation

Secretariat salutes the human capital being contributed to Mas

by these highly qualified and experienced project managers,

and hails the PMI SCC as a visionary organisation that leads by

example. Make no mistake; this venture will shortly move into

its second phase, as Phase One beneficiaries span large adult

Mas bands, small adult Mas bands, theatre companies,

children’s Mas bands, and J’ouvert Mas bands.

So, as thousands of Masqueraders prepare to prance through

the streets for Carnival 2015, allow yourself to expect bigger

and better things in Carnivals to come, courtesy of the Mas

Transformation Secretariat and its partners. If you have played

Mas in Trinidad and Tobago before, this Band Management

Assistance Programme means that the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’

will soon be taking things to the next level. However, if you

have never joined us for this ‘Ultimate Street Party’, then, as

the saying goes … the time is now!

BUSINESSA New Erain the Making

By Kennedy Pemberton

Regional MasRegional Mas

lthough it operates on a smaller scale than in Trinidad,

Mas in Tobago provides a unique version of excitement

that is growing by leaps and bounds – with a number of

large, medium and small bands vying for the respective

titles; senior and junior bands; night Mas; and the ever

popular mud Mas and J’Ouvert bands. But this should come

as no surprise, for Mas men and women such as Wilton

Nancis, Curtis Brooks, Louisa Clarke, Lionel Hazel, Alston

Henry, Albert Powder, Ashworth Hazel, Norma Young, and

Vernon James have all made valuable contributions to the

art form over the years, setting the stage for the evolution

of the amazing spectacle that is Tobago Mas.

The bandleaders of bands in the sister isle fall under the

umbrella body of the Tobago Carnival Bandleaders

Association (TCBA). “It is a registered body since 2004. It has

32 bandleaders and a total of 55 persons making up the

board of the Carnival,” says the association's chairman,

Jemma Bedlow.

Unlike the island-wide Parade of the Bands in Trinidad on

Carnival Monday and Tuesday and the days leading up to

these days, Tobago Mas is more of a community-based affair.

On Carnival Sunday Roxborough is host to the Junior

Carnival, while both Roxborough and Scarborough, the main

judging venue, are the venues for the adult and Junior

parades on Carnival Monday. On Carnival Tuesday adult

Masqueraders have the exclusive rights to add excitement

and colour to the streets of Scarborough, at least until the

mandated midnight cut-off time signals the end of the street

revelry until the following year.

And what is Carnival without beautiful women? Not to be

outdone with the showcasing of its female beauty, the TCBA

has introduced an elaborate Carnival Queen show, where

young female representatives from every village are

encouraged to show off the uniqueness of their respective

communities.

So, as the season of revelry rapidly approaches, if you're

looking for some tempered Mas excitement, Tobago may just

be your ideal Carnival destination.

“Tobago mas is more of a community-based affair.”

TOBAGOBy Carol Quash

Regional MasRegional Mas

lthough it operates on a smaller scale than in Trinidad,

Mas in Tobago provides a unique version of excitement

that is growing by leaps and bounds – with a number of

large, medium and small bands vying for the respective

titles; senior and junior bands; night Mas; and the ever

popular mud Mas and J’Ouvert bands. But this should come

as no surprise, for Mas men and women such as Wilton

Nancis, Curtis Brooks, Louisa Clarke, Lionel Hazel, Alston

Henry, Albert Powder, Ashworth Hazel, Norma Young, and

Vernon James have all made valuable contributions to the

art form over the years, setting the stage for the evolution

of the amazing spectacle that is Tobago Mas.

The bandleaders of bands in the sister isle fall under the

umbrella body of the Tobago Carnival Bandleaders

Association (TCBA). “It is a registered body since 2004. It has

32 bandleaders and a total of 55 persons making up the

board of the Carnival,” says the association's chairman,

Jemma Bedlow.

Unlike the island-wide Parade of the Bands in Trinidad on

Carnival Monday and Tuesday and the days leading up to

these days, Tobago Mas is more of a community-based affair.

On Carnival Sunday Roxborough is host to the Junior

Carnival, while both Roxborough and Scarborough, the main

judging venue, are the venues for the adult and Junior

parades on Carnival Monday. On Carnival Tuesday adult

Masqueraders have the exclusive rights to add excitement

and colour to the streets of Scarborough, at least until the

mandated midnight cut-off time signals the end of the street

revelry until the following year.

And what is Carnival without beautiful women? Not to be

outdone with the showcasing of its female beauty, the TCBA

has introduced an elaborate Carnival Queen show, where

young female representatives from every village are

encouraged to show off the uniqueness of their respective

communities.

So, as the season of revelry rapidly approaches, if you're

looking for some tempered Mas excitement, Tobago may just

be your ideal Carnival destination.

“Tobago mas is more of a community-based affair.”

TOBAGOBy Carol Quash

Taking Your

Get a cheap to mid-range smartphone

Gone are the days where you have to carry a super cheap phone AND a compact digital camera (or expensive SLR). Now you can get decent smartphones with good cameras that can capture HD vid. So leave your expensive phones safe at home, and pick up a deal for the season.

Things to look for:

CameraWithout being too technical, a general rule of thumb would be opt for a 5 megapixel rear camera with flash. Some phones may cheap out on the front facing (selfie) camera. Opt for anything that’s 1.2 MP or higher, if at all available.

StorageCompanies always advertise the max onboard storage. But after they install the operating system and applications, that 8GB whittles down to about 5GB. While the remaining storage is good for pics, once you start shooting HD video, it will soon disappear. Check for higher storage options, or, even better, a micro SD card slot option. This lets you cheaply bump up storage by picking up a card of the size you need.

ConnectivityThis goes for 3G/4G compatible phones only. There’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck on EDGE speeds, which are WAY too slow for that hectic Carnival pace! And if you don’t have a postpaid plan that includes data, don’t forget you can also get a prepaid Internet plan if you don’t have a data plan on your phone.

Securing your phone on your person

Sure, the phone didn’t cost too much. But it’ll still be a shame to lose it (especially with all your memories). You’d also hate to get it wet with sweat, rain, or spilled drinks. And do you really want to carry a phone around in your hand all day?

D’ BestThe best option is a secure velcro upper arm band or ‘around the neck’ case. They’re sweat-proof, weatherproof and comfortable. Most have little pockets for you to store cash and cards.

D’ WorstBelt clips or waist pouches are also an option, but they can be bulky, get knocked off easily as you jump up, and may be easy to pickpocket.

How to keep the (battery) juices flowing

Now that you have the tech, how do you make sure it can go the distance? You won’t have the option to charge easily while on the road, so here are some power saving tips.

• If your phone has GPS, only enable it when you need to. GPS is a battery leech, and serves no purpose if you’re not actively using it.

• Disable your Wi-Fi connection when not in use. Some mobile networks offer free Wi-Fi hotspots. Enable it only if you need to browse or send a message … or post a status update, so all your friends can know you’re having a blast! (Be careful, though; don’t post anything that might come back to haunt you!)

• Screen brightness. Automatic settings will usually default to the brightest available mode because you’re outdoors. When possible, tweak it down a bit. Also, configure the phone to dim or turn off soon after use.

• Invest in an external power source. Now ever popular, you can get a dedicated and very portable backup battery. There are even some solar options you can look into. But don’t forget to charge up before you leave the house! Still not enough? Get more than one battery!

On D’ road

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a jump-up newbie, you need to know how to get around.

• Carnival GPS (It’s a website, not an actual app). Get precise locations for bands and routes. You can also use it to find food, bars, Mas camps, pan yards, shows, police posts, embassies, etc.; everything you need.

• Forgetful? Remembering where you parked after a long day of ‘likin’ yuhself’ is always a hard prospect. Where-did-I-park (location) apps, which are available for multiple platforms, can help. Many are free.

• Would you know what to do in case of a medical emergency? Blow to the head, chest pains, foot injury? What about dehydration or food poisoning? Be prepared with a First Aid app. Try First Aid by The American Red Cross, available on IOS/android). Free, comprehensive and highly recommended. We hope you won’t need to use it, but always good to be prepared.

Fighting fit and looking good

Of course, tech isn’t only there for you on Carnival days. Prepare yourself to look your best in your costume, and have the energy needed to chip all day, with nutrition and fitness apps. Look around for apps that can offer advice on diet, proper nutrition, and safe and effective fitness regimes. Why not swing by myfitnesspal.com, a website loaded with apps you’re sure to love?

So there you have it; a few good ideas to help you maximise the benefits of your tech while downplaying the irritations that can come with it. Make the most of it, but don’t let it distract you from your main goal, which is to have a mad, magical, magnificent Carnival.

Enjoy... and be safe!

emember the good old days, when you romped in the streets with your

costume, and the only way you could get a picture of yourself was if you

spotted a friend at the roadside with a camera, posed for a shot, and had to call

him up weeks later and beg for a copy? Or when you were meeting a friend in

the band, and had to call them up earlier on a landline to make sure you both

understood EXACTLY when and where you were meeting?

Technology has made all that obsolete. You no longer have to race home on

Carnival Tuesday evening hoping to catch a glimpse of yourself on the late-night

replay of Parade of the Bands, or miss liming with your buddies simply because

you lost them in the crowd. You have the power to connect with friends, take

photos of yourself and others in your sparkly costumes, get real-time updates on

traffic jams or trouble spots, and tell everyone you know what a great time you’re

having, all with a device that fits in your pocket.

But modern technology also has its gremlins, and it’s worth your while being well

informed and well prepared to ensure you get the best out of your devices on the

road, at the fêtes, or in the stands. It can even help you get into shape so you can

keep up with the pace and look your best in your costume or fêteing gear!

How? Let’s kick off our technology round-up with an absolute must.

on the RoadThis Carnival

By Shiva Charles & Roslyn Carrington

Taking Your

Get a cheap to mid-range smartphone

Gone are the days where you have to carry a super cheap phone AND a compact digital camera (or expensive SLR). Now you can get decent smartphones with good cameras that can capture HD vid. So leave your expensive phones safe at home, and pick up a deal for the season.

Things to look for:

CameraWithout being too technical, a general rule of thumb would be opt for a 5 megapixel rear camera with flash. Some phones may cheap out on the front facing (selfie) camera. Opt for anything that’s 1.2 MP or higher, if at all available.

StorageCompanies always advertise the max onboard storage. But after they install the operating system and applications, that 8GB whittles down to about 5GB. While the remaining storage is good for pics, once you start shooting HD video, it will soon disappear. Check for higher storage options, or, even better, a micro SD card slot option. This lets you cheaply bump up storage by picking up a card of the size you need.

ConnectivityThis goes for 3G/4G compatible phones only. There’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck on EDGE speeds, which are WAY too slow for that hectic Carnival pace! And if you don’t have a postpaid plan that includes data, don’t forget you can also get a prepaid Internet plan if you don’t have a data plan on your phone.

Securing your phone on your person

Sure, the phone didn’t cost too much. But it’ll still be a shame to lose it (especially with all your memories). You’d also hate to get it wet with sweat, rain, or spilled drinks. And do you really want to carry a phone around in your hand all day?

D’ BestThe best option is a secure velcro upper arm band or ‘around the neck’ case. They’re sweat-proof, weatherproof and comfortable. Most have little pockets for you to store cash and cards.

D’ WorstBelt clips or waist pouches are also an option, but they can be bulky, get knocked off easily as you jump up, and may be easy to pickpocket.

How to keep the (battery) juices flowing

Now that you have the tech, how do you make sure it can go the distance? You won’t have the option to charge easily while on the road, so here are some power saving tips.

• If your phone has GPS, only enable it when you need to. GPS is a battery leech, and serves no purpose if you’re not actively using it.

• Disable your Wi-Fi connection when not in use. Some mobile networks offer free Wi-Fi hotspots. Enable it only if you need to browse or send a message … or post a status update, so all your friends can know you’re having a blast! (Be careful, though; don’t post anything that might come back to haunt you!)

• Screen brightness. Automatic settings will usually default to the brightest available mode because you’re outdoors. When possible, tweak it down a bit. Also, configure the phone to dim or turn off soon after use.

• Invest in an external power source. Now ever popular, you can get a dedicated and very portable backup battery. There are even some solar options you can look into. But don’t forget to charge up before you leave the house! Still not enough? Get more than one battery!

On D’ road

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a jump-up newbie, you need to know how to get around.

• Carnival GPS (It’s a website, not an actual app). Get precise locations for bands and routes. You can also use it to find food, bars, Mas camps, pan yards, shows, police posts, embassies, etc.; everything you need.

• Forgetful? Remembering where you parked after a long day of ‘likin’ yuhself’ is always a hard prospect. Where-did-I-park (location) apps, which are available for multiple platforms, can help. Many are free.

• Would you know what to do in case of a medical emergency? Blow to the head, chest pains, foot injury? What about dehydration or food poisoning? Be prepared with a First Aid app. Try First Aid by The American Red Cross, available on IOS/android). Free, comprehensive and highly recommended. We hope you won’t need to use it, but always good to be prepared.

Fighting fit and looking good

Of course, tech isn’t only there for you on Carnival days. Prepare yourself to look your best in your costume, and have the energy needed to chip all day, with nutrition and fitness apps. Look around for apps that can offer advice on diet, proper nutrition, and safe and effective fitness regimes. Why not swing by myfitnesspal.com, a website loaded with apps you’re sure to love?

So there you have it; a few good ideas to help you maximise the benefits of your tech while downplaying the irritations that can come with it. Make the most of it, but don’t let it distract you from your main goal, which is to have a mad, magical, magnificent Carnival.

Enjoy... and be safe!

emember the good old days, when you romped in the streets with your

costume, and the only way you could get a picture of yourself was if you

spotted a friend at the roadside with a camera, posed for a shot, and had to call

him up weeks later and beg for a copy? Or when you were meeting a friend in

the band, and had to call them up earlier on a landline to make sure you both

understood EXACTLY when and where you were meeting?

Technology has made all that obsolete. You no longer have to race home on

Carnival Tuesday evening hoping to catch a glimpse of yourself on the late-night

replay of Parade of the Bands, or miss liming with your buddies simply because

you lost them in the crowd. You have the power to connect with friends, take

photos of yourself and others in your sparkly costumes, get real-time updates on

traffic jams or trouble spots, and tell everyone you know what a great time you’re

having, all with a device that fits in your pocket.

But modern technology also has its gremlins, and it’s worth your while being well

informed and well prepared to ensure you get the best out of your devices on the

road, at the fêtes, or in the stands. It can even help you get into shape so you can

keep up with the pace and look your best in your costume or fêteing gear!

How? Let’s kick off our technology round-up with an absolute must.

on the RoadThis Carnival

By Shiva Charles & Roslyn Carrington

3D Printing, or Additive Manufacturing (AM), can be defined

as the process of making three-dimensional solid objects

from a digital file, and has been revolutionising

manufacturing as we know it. 3D Printing has been around

since the 1980s, but recently has become more accessible

and affordable. Most of us may be more familiar with

Subtractive Manufacturing (SM). A good example of SM is

when, let’s say, you start with a block of wood or aluminium

and, through chiselling, grinding, sanding, etc., carve out the

desired shape. In Additive Manufacturing, we build the

desired shape layer by layer until the final shape is achieved.

The process begins when a digital design is created in a CAD

(Computer Aided Design) file, using 3D Modelling software

(for a brand new object design). If an existing object is being

used; a 3D scan of the object is taken. This 3D digital scan is

then sent to a 3D modelling program. After this is done, the

software then breaks this digital file into hundreds of

thousands of horizontal layers. This file is then sent to the 3D

printer, where each horizontal layer is printed one upon the

other until the entire object is completed.

There are many methods to 3D printing using various

technologies to create amazing end results. These methods

differ in the way the layers are created. Selective Laser

Sintering (SLS) creates layers by melting or softening

material. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) also uses this

method. Stereolithography (SLA) uses liquid materials cured

with different technologies. Each method has its own

advantages and drawbacks. The materials used to create

these objects range from plastics, ceramics, carbon fibre,

nylon, glass-filled polyamide, epoxy resins, wax, and

photopolymers – even chocolate... yes, chocolate!

Even before we look at 'printing' an entire Mas band – the

cost and speed of 3D printing may not allow this just yet but

there are current applications for this technology. Mas

designers can benefit from this in a way that large

manufacturers have been for years. Rapid Prototyping has

been made possible through these machines, and it’s only a

matter of time before this now affordable technology is

integrated into the Mas design process. Designers can now

design 3D versions of their visions and print full-size colour

prototypes. Where before thousands of dollars and weeks

were spent in searching for and purchasing raw materials and

decorations for prototypes, now hundreds can be spent and

prototypes printed in hours. There is also an opportunity for

rapid manufacturing, as short-run custom manufacturing may

be done for individual and frontline costumes.

The fact that 3D printing can take place in any or all segments

of the traditional Mas design and manufacturing processes

has far-reaching effects. Designs can be virtually created,

then a prototype produced, to be mass produced through

traditional methods, or a prototype created in the traditional

way, then scanned and mass produced through 3D printing.

The liberation of designers from pre-produced trim and other

materials represents a paradigm shift in the way we approach

Mas design production and even costume delivery and

national trade. Imagine a local designer emailing his or her

CAD file to a manufacturer in China, band leader in the

Bahamas, or a masquerader in Holland.

Whether or not the sector adopts this technology sooner

rather later is debatable, but one thing is abundantly clear:

3D printing is going to play a role in the future of Mas.

magine walking into a Mas Camp Carnival

Sunday, just hours away from the Greatest Show on Earth.

You pick out your costume, step into a booth, are laser scanned, and

told to wait. Your custom-made costume will be ready in minutes. Sounds

farfetched; too science fiction? Well, hold on to your headpiece, because this reality is not

as far off as you may think. And it’s all made possible through the growing field of 3D Printing.

IBy Jean Paul-Pouchet

3D Printing, or Additive Manufacturing (AM), can be defined

as the process of making three-dimensional solid objects

from a digital file, and has been revolutionising

manufacturing as we know it. 3D Printing has been around

since the 1980s, but recently has become more accessible

and affordable. Most of us may be more familiar with

Subtractive Manufacturing (SM). A good example of SM is

when, let’s say, you start with a block of wood or aluminium

and, through chiselling, grinding, sanding, etc., carve out the

desired shape. In Additive Manufacturing, we build the

desired shape layer by layer until the final shape is achieved.

The process begins when a digital design is created in a CAD

(Computer Aided Design) file, using 3D Modelling software

(for a brand new object design). If an existing object is being

used; a 3D scan of the object is taken. This 3D digital scan is

then sent to a 3D modelling program. After this is done, the

software then breaks this digital file into hundreds of

thousands of horizontal layers. This file is then sent to the 3D

printer, where each horizontal layer is printed one upon the

other until the entire object is completed.

There are many methods to 3D printing using various

technologies to create amazing end results. These methods

differ in the way the layers are created. Selective Laser

Sintering (SLS) creates layers by melting or softening

material. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) also uses this

method. Stereolithography (SLA) uses liquid materials cured

with different technologies. Each method has its own

advantages and drawbacks. The materials used to create

these objects range from plastics, ceramics, carbon fibre,

nylon, glass-filled polyamide, epoxy resins, wax, and

photopolymers – even chocolate... yes, chocolate!

Even before we look at 'printing' an entire Mas band – the

cost and speed of 3D printing may not allow this just yet but

there are current applications for this technology. Mas

designers can benefit from this in a way that large

manufacturers have been for years. Rapid Prototyping has

been made possible through these machines, and it’s only a

matter of time before this now affordable technology is

integrated into the Mas design process. Designers can now

design 3D versions of their visions and print full-size colour

prototypes. Where before thousands of dollars and weeks

were spent in searching for and purchasing raw materials and

decorations for prototypes, now hundreds can be spent and

prototypes printed in hours. There is also an opportunity for

rapid manufacturing, as short-run custom manufacturing may

be done for individual and frontline costumes.

The fact that 3D printing can take place in any or all segments

of the traditional Mas design and manufacturing processes

has far-reaching effects. Designs can be virtually created,

then a prototype produced, to be mass produced through

traditional methods, or a prototype created in the traditional

way, then scanned and mass produced through 3D printing.

The liberation of designers from pre-produced trim and other

materials represents a paradigm shift in the way we approach

Mas design production and even costume delivery and

national trade. Imagine a local designer emailing his or her

CAD file to a manufacturer in China, band leader in the

Bahamas, or a masquerader in Holland.

Whether or not the sector adopts this technology sooner

rather later is debatable, but one thing is abundantly clear:

3D printing is going to play a role in the future of Mas.

magine walking into a Mas Camp Carnival

Sunday, just hours away from the Greatest Show on Earth.

You pick out your costume, step into a booth, are laser scanned, and

told to wait. Your custom-made costume will be ready in minutes. Sounds

farfetched; too science fiction? Well, hold on to your headpiece, because this reality is not

as far off as you may think. And it’s all made possible through the growing field of 3D Printing.

IBy Jean Paul-Pouchet

By Roslyn Carrington

One month before Christmas, and yet Ronnie and Caro’s

Mas Camp on the corner of Anna and Warren Streets

is already a hive of activity. Piles of completed wrist

pieces and belts are stacked on tables, workers

flit in and out, and the air smells of hot glue and

glitter… and, yes, glitter does indeed have a smell.

It smells like excitement.

Respecting the Culture,Respecting the Business of Mas.

RON NIE AND CAROTHE MAS BAND

By Roslyn Carrington

One month before Christmas, and yet Ronnie and Caro’s

Mas Camp on the corner of Anna and Warren Streets

is already a hive of activity. Piles of completed wrist

pieces and belts are stacked on tables, workers

flit in and out, and the air smells of hot glue and

glitter… and, yes, glitter does indeed have a smell.

It smells like excitement.

Respecting the Culture,Respecting the Business of Mas.

RON NIE AND CAROTHE MAS BAND

and they say they were just looking online and found us.”

Like most modern bands, they have adapted available

technology to suit their needs, reaching out to their fans

through their website, and many different social media

platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Has Ronnie’s status as an entertainer affected his ability to

perform in his capacity as a bandleader? It certainly has, and it

has all been positive. His name alone raises his profile, and his

contacts with suppliers, such as sound technicians, transport

and logistics, sponsors, etc., have made things much easier. “I

deal with a lot of people,” he says. “I never burn bridges.”

That doesn’t mean he plans on giving up his career as a soca

artist. He has plans to go into the studio to bring us another

musical offering this Carnival season, and last year his power

soca, Bring the Vibes, was also out there.

But, he admits, it’s hard to wear two hats — even hats as

spectacular as those we’re used to see him don onstage. “Songs

require a lot of attention,” he says, “and it’s hard to be bringing

a band and still stay on top of that.”

As for Caroline, she puts in her time at the Mas camp while also

running their clothing boutique on Frederick Street, Port of Spain,

called … wait for it … Ronnie and Caro’s. “It’s been busy, trying to

do the Christmas shopping for that, too.” The store is the last of a

few others, such as their branch in Tobago, which they closed

down in order to have more time to devote to the band.

That time is even more critical now, as the season is kicking into

high gear, and the Mas camp is running virtually round the

clock. The employment they provide extends even beyond our

own Carnival, as they also supply costumes for other Carnivals

out there, particularly in other Caribbean islands. “Right now

we’re working with a band in St. Thomas, called Infernos.”

explains Caroline. “We find out what they have in mind and

then see what advice we can give them, based on our

experience. We then design and produce the costume for

them.” They also bring a section with the Toronto Revellers,

in a band led by Trinidadian NBA basketballer, Jamaal

Magloire, at Caribana. “Other than that,” says Ronnie, “we

design and produce.”

As an entrepreneur, he sees that move to export T&T Mas

products in all their forms as having been around successfully

for quite some time, citing bandleaders such as Big Mike

Antoine and others as being able to work year-round in

the Carnival business.

“We try to provide sustainable employment to keep the staff

employed as much as possible, rather than have a new group of

workers come in every year, who are not trained. They may be

home from time to time, but we try to keep them busy, and have

provided sustainable employment over the past few years.”

Both have had the benefit of growing up “in the Mas”. Ronnie’s

late father, Art de Coteau, was a well-known arranger for many

calypsonians in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. “I performed as a

percussionist in tents, so I grew up in that.”

Caroline’s mother produced costumes for Peter Minshall,

elaborate works of macramé and headpieces. She remembers

playing with Minshall from as early as the age of eight. “I used

to be in the middle of it,” she says. Her mother is still active

in the band.

Their final messages, as businesspeople, is to urge others to

treat T&T’s culture as a business. “People need to be aware of

the contribution Carnival makes to Trinidad and Tobago. It is a

business. If you crunch the numbers and see the kind of money

that comes to these islands during that period, from hotels to

taxi drivers, to vendors … everything. It deserves respect. But we

will be alright. Carnival will be fine.”

oca legend Ronnie McIntosh and his wife, Caroline,

have been in production side of Mas for 12 years, first

when they brought out a section with Masquerade, then

with Legacy. It wasn’t long before their fans started

clamouring for them to strike out on their own, which

they did in 2008.

“Our last section had over 300 people, and that was considered

a small band. And the masqueraders themselves encouraged us

to bring a band … for whatever reason,” he adds with a modest

laugh. Those reasons are obvious; as a Medium band, they have

won four times in the Big Yard and five times Downtown.

Now classed as a large band, they are competing with the big

guns, and though they number approximately 1,000 players,

they are holding their own.

The couple likes to keep their themes local; this year’s band is

called “Ah Come Back Home”, and features many of the

elements of life in these islands that keep drawing T&T natives

back home time and again, no matter how far they wander. With

sections that include Tobago Jazz, Savannah Lime, Maracas

Beach and Distant Drums, it’s easy to see why.

The duo are also adamant that all players should feel welcome,

no matter what their body type or level of comfort with baring it

all. “We offer bikini and beads, but also there is coverage. We

cater for everybody; all ages, all sizes, all races….”

They also draw visitors from throughout the Caribbean, the US,

Canada, Europe, and even Japan. “People come from all over

the world to play with us. Sometimes we are even surprised by

where they come from. We ask them how they heard about us,