Where politicians play on Carnival days

Several government ministers are expected to be among masqueraders in the People’s Band today and tomorrow. The Prime Minister and some of her team are expected at the Grand Stand viewing mas on Tuesday, while several others will be in their constituencies presiding over Monday mas today, according to the OPM on Thursday. COP leader Winston Dookeran is in COP’s J’Ouvert band today playing “Captain of the Thinking Ship”—a  pun on Winston Peters’ 1986  “Sinking (PNM) Ship” calypso.

The band also includes Government Senator Patrick Watson, MP Lincoln Douglas and COP executive members Clyde Weatherhead and Joseph Toney . Deputy chairman Vernon de Lima will be overseas, according to COP’s  Port of Spain office. COP’s Hulsie Bhaggan said she will be overseas as well. Also out of the band are COP deputies Roberts Mayers and Wendy Lee Yuen, the latter playing Arima J’Ouvert. Minister Winston Peters will be in  the “People’s Band”, officials added.

MP Anil Roberts said he may also be in that band. Health Minister Therese Baptiste will be in Trini Revellers, a spokesman  said. Education Minister Tim Gopeesingh is deciding between Harts or Yuma, he said.  OPM aides and UNC executive officials will be in Tribe. Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal, forgoes costume this year. On Monday he will be in south Trinidad, he said. Tobago West MP Delmon Baker will be in his constituency while Tobago East MP Vernella Alleye-Toppin is on overseas business.

 Works Minister Jack Warner is in his constituency on Monday and Tuesday.  Opposition Leader Keith Rowley has  usually played sailor mas with All Stars on Tuesday. But PNM ‘s Ashton Ford was unable to confirm if Rowley is doing so this year.  PNM MP Amery Browne will be in Tribe’s “Bliss” along with Laurel Lezama, Jerry Narace, Conrad Enill and other PNM officials, Narace said. Former prime minister Patrick Manning will be in his constituency on Monday, it was confirmed.  MP Marlene McDonald will be at Piccadilly Greens on Tuesday, spectating with constituents.  PNM’s Colm Imbert said he would be in his seat and “on the road.”  Deputy House Speaker Fuad Khan will be overseas, he confirmed.