SXMElections.com

CARNIVAL VILLAGE--Carnival has started! The official opening by Minister of Culture Rita Bourne-Gumbs, who “unlocked” the door to the village with a large golden key, took place on Thursday evening.

A parade had led the way to the official opening, which saw hundreds of people in the streets of Philipsburg dance to the tunes of bands and deejays in the official opening Jump-up for the 46th St. Maarten Carnival.

The route of the jump-up was lined with people and near to Carnival Village a number of booths were selling snacks and drinks.

The jump-up arrived at the Village shortly before 11:30pm. Minister Bourne-Gumbs then performed the opening ceremony, joined by St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation President Michael Granger, a TelEm representative, Carnival Queens, Calypso Kings and, for the first time, King Momo himself was present.

The stream of people followed the trucks into the Carnival Village while the ceremony took place. The atmosphere was good with smiles all around, also on the faces of police officers and security guards present.

A large number of booths sold food and drinks, and the smells of barbecued chicken and ribs wafted through the village, whilst the opening group made their way to the stage where various selfies and group photographs were taken.

Granger then appeared, joined by his SCDF colleagues, the kings and queens, Minister Bourne-Gumbs, a TelEm representative and King Momo. Granger welcomed everyone and requested a big round of applause for the SCDF volunteers and the kings and queens.

A representative of main sponsor TelEm thanked SCDF, TelEm staff and government for supporting Carnival and said she was proud to have had help building the stage in red, referring to the large TelEm logo against a red background making the backdrop of the stage. She urged everyone to go back to the roots of Carnival by not constantly texting or being on the phone, but by eating johnnycakes, talking and dancing. “Have a safe carnival, and have fun,” she concluded.

Minister Bourne-Gumbs congratulated Granger and his team, and welcomed revellers and visitors alike. “I’m going to keep this short: I want you to mingle, and enjoy,” she said, “but as you celebrate, remain safe.”

She reminded the public to choose and be responsible for their choices, and parents to take responsibility for their children and to know where they are at all times. “If you drink, drink responsibly,” the minister said, adding that she too would be joining in the fun. “There is no carnival like our Carnival. I wish you all a safe and happy Carnival,” she concluded.

Granger then urged to crowd to come back to all the different events, to support the bands and the queens at the pageants. He acknowledged last year’s queens – D’Shnay York, Bria Sorton and Anna Rabess-Richardson – and wished everyone a safe and happy Carnival.

Selected booths were read out that will be competing in the Village Cook-Out this year: Booths 14, 15, 28, 56, 57 and 65 have been selected to show off their best salt fish, johnnycakes and other local delicacies this year. Revellers were entertained with music for the remainder of the night.