Deportee, Gleaner Writer
A group of revellers from the Gleaner Company on their march. - Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
NINE TRUCKS, 10 groups, feathers, stockings and assets all abound, Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival 2005 trooped off blazing a trail up East Kings House Road, St. Andrew, yesterday.
A cacophony of noise and an array of bright colours dazzled the eyes as revellers marched, jigged and wined all the way down Hope Road. Flags, handkerchiefs, hands, flaying legs, everything was waved, higher and higher reaching a crescendo as the mix of soca and dancehall blared from the bulky boom boxes aboard the trucks.
In the blazing heat, which rose from the asphalt, no one seemed to mind as water was in abundance to quench parched throats and wash faces. "De people want water," Iwer George's sonorous voice belted out the catchy line which was it itself a coolant from the imposing heat
Welcome to the silent zone, it was an eerie feeling as the music ceased to blare and the wining stopped as the soca train approached Andrews Hospital.
DJS JOINED THE ACTION
On West Kings House Road, deejay Bounty Killer joined the lively bMobile truck and an air of anticipation sliced the air.
Turning on to Constant Spring Road, it was virtually a street party as the crowd mixed with the revellers and the serious
bacchanal began.
Beenie Man arrived minutes later creating a mini stampede as his entourage and crazy fans sprinted through the crowd hustling the 'Doctor' onboard the bMobile truck to perform his musical surgery. Machel Montano and Wayne Marshall spiced up the proceedings as the mass of the crowd gawked at their stars. Foota Hype and Swam King stepped up the pace among the sea of bodies by toasting away in soca/dancehall lingo.
The Fame truck with its group Paradise broadcasted a happy go lucky feel whilst Supreme ventures Envy and Avalanche washed away all the dullness with their bright, sparkling costumes. CVM group adorned in fancy feathers and waving shocking orange flags was the rage on Constant Spring Road as they outdid all their rivals and raised the tempo to a higher notch.
The Appleton group, though small in numbers, had a good time and looked as if they were drunk by the sun. The bumper-filled procession then turned their attention towards Half-Way Tree locking shop and sweeping all before them in a magical lust of appreciation.
Like the triumphant return of a victorious king, the army of revellers were welcomed by thousands of people who lined the streets, watching and pointing as the cocktail of colours floated by.
Hundreds of police officers lined the streets giving approving and disapproving looks as they kept the 'show of shows' in check. From babies to the elderly, all ages turned out to view this giant, mosaic of a moving billboard flashing its wares and advertising the joys of revelry at its poignant best.
This mini tsunami of congo lines charged for home and the welcoming sight of the National Stadium. With one last burst of energy, the route was completed and it was 2006 we're coming.
