Gem gets band of the year

In the end Gem Carnival Band was chosen as carnival senior band of the year, while the Sixth Street Masqueraders captured junior band of the year.

Cherry Stuart, Leader, Sixth Street Masqueraders

“Well of course. I was able to see some of the other groups before I left and I had more confidence then that we were looking good.

Oh of course I was happy but I was already at home. This group worked pretty hard. Pretty hard. I have a set of ladies that are loyal to this group. Every night they are here and they worked from seven until one.”

Jose Ketz, Leader, Gem Carnival Band

“It was really, really good this year. C-Jamm they were strong, Cultural Heritage was strong and of course we were strong at the same time. A couple of people asked us along the way, if we thought we would have won and it was difficult at that time because the bands were really out to compete this year and I think how it went was very good.”

The bands don’t know what they have won yet, but according to the carnival rules, the prizes will be given out at a ceremony two weeks after the competition. The band leaders also say they would like to have the King and Queen costumes displayed in a public place like the International Airport so people can enjoy them a little longer. Rene Villanueva Sr., Head of the Carnival Association says this is an excellent idea and the association would be more than willing to assist the bands in locating a display site. He says eventually they would like to establish a permanent carnival center to help promote the event and showcase the costumes.