April 20, 2008 — Those unable to make it out to nightly Carnival events got something that may be even better: their own private show at Schneider Regional Medical Center, topped off with majorette performances, quadrille dances and tunes by Milo's Kings.
The roundabout in front the hospital was packed with families who had turned out for the event over the weekend, while the building's entrance held special VIP seating for hospital patients and the community's senior citizens. A wooden stage stood in the middle, giving the audience a birds-eye view of each act.
A recap of last week's shows and competitions was a large part of the day's program, as Carnival queen and princess contestants, along with this year's Junior Calypso Monarch Singer Boy Kahmoi introduced themselves to the crowd. Milo's Kings kept everyone moving with a range of soca, salsa and calypso tunes, while a few of this year's Carnival troupes and majorette squads showed off their moves and costumes.
"I love Carnival," said Mary Boyce, a longtime St. Croix resident. "And today is really beautiful. I love the dancers and seeing the children on stage. It's really great — as long as I'm not sick!"
Saturday evening saw packed stands at the Lionel Roberts Stadium on St. Thomas, as a number of big Caribbean acts ruled the stage for Calypso Review, singing about everything from politics to the high cost of living in the region. The renowned Hunter, out of Dominica, tied the acts together by singing about Caribbean unity.
"We're one people, one nation," he sang.
Due to provisions included in the singers' contract agreements, it was not possible to provide full coverage or photos of the event.
The weekend festivities ended on Sunday with traditional water sports and boat racing in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the Steel Pan Jamboree at the stadium. Carnival continues Monday with the opening of the Carnival Village at 6 p.m.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
