“Spirits” to make history again

On Wednesday June 22, one of the oldest and most resilient carnival bands in Saint Lucia, St Lucian Spirit Carnival Band served notice that they would once again be taking to the city streets come Carnival Monday and Tuesday July 18 and 19, 2011.

The band, led by band-leader Joan Hinkson, held its annual band launch at the Bay Garden’s Beach Resort, continuing a long-term partnership with the resort which has been associated with the band for some time now.
The launch was hosted by Solange of the Wave who gave an overview of the band before introducing the bandleader and later entertained the audience with the “house band” and Calypsonian Robbie. During Wednesday’s launch Hinkson also made mention of another partnership this time with another band, Cozy Guzzlers which joined in on the launch.
This year, St Lucian Spirits or “Spirits” as they are commonly known will be portraying “Historical Footnotes” with five sections in the adult parade of the bands as well as a Junior Carnival band. According to the band leader; “in each society there are events that shaped the society and landmarks that have made a difference.”  “Some landmarks,” she added, “have disappeared from our landscape while others have been nurtured and still remain. We remind you of some of these historical events and landmarks that have had an impact on our society and our lives by way of our portrayal for Carnival 2011—Historical Footnotes.”
The sections chosen to depict this theme are the ‘1948 fire, Sugar Cane, Penny Bank, George V Park and “The Dawn of a New Day.’ At the launch, the band was presented with a check for EC$5,000, by 1st National Bank’s Robert Feveriere. The bank, which was once known as the island’s “Penny Bank” is certainly one of those historical and institutional hallmarks of the island and over the years and has thrown its support behind a number of sporting, social and cultural initiatives here. This is seen as a perfect marriage with the carnival band which has been in existence for more than three decades.
Over the years the St Lucian Spirit Carnival Band has won many titles: Band With the Best Spirit, Band of the Year, Best Junior King, Best Design, Most Colourful Band, King of the Bands, Queen of the Bands and Junior King and Queen.
This year the band is hoping to continue its success streak as one of the more traditional bands on the island still staying true to what “Lucian Mass” is all about.