This Is A Wet Fete: Thomians Defy Rain; Open Carnival Village With Bang

ST. THOMAS — The last performers at last night’s opening of the Carnival Village — named Showtime HQ in honor of Jam Band and their 1994 song of the same name — started with a song titled, “Ready for De Road”. Written and sung by Bunji Garlin, the trending artist, along with his wife Fay-Ann Lyons came on stage to deliver a long set of their top songs.

The rain was pouring heavy; but the people didn’t seem to care much. “We ready for de road,” revelers roared when Bunji and Fay-Ann Lyons started to sing. The crowd’s reaction capped a night of dancing, mingling, and enjoying food offered in the countless booths of this multi-cultured island. The Village’s setup was not that different from past years, including rides for the children as well.

If the adults, then, know how to have a good time and support the night events as well as the Adult’s Parade next Saturday, Governor Kenneth Mapp called on residents to show the same passion for the youth.

Governor Kenneth Mapp, Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter and local royalty open Carnival Village.

Mr. Mapp said the territory’s youth work very hard to prepare for the parade each year, yet there are often many empty seats along the route as many adults stay home or forego the parade for the Carnival Horse Races.

“Come on out on the day of the Children’s Parade and let’s show our children support,” he said. “Let’s show them that we appreciate their efforts and let us enjoy that day with them. We are going to get to the races, but let’s show our children that they are important and that we stand behind them.”

During his remarks at the village opening ceremonies, the governor announced that he signed an executive order on Friday placing all executive branch law enforcement officers under the direction of V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards.

“We intend to ensure that you are kept safe,” said the governor. “We will beef up our security presence to ensure that everyone can come out and really have a wonderful and safe Carnival season.”

The territory’s leader reiterated the support of his administration for the territory’s carnival celebrations and he urged the community to visit the Village’s many booths. The governor said some government employees would have extra cash to spend this carnival season, given that some will start seeing recently announced pay increases reflected on their checks.