Over 200 Belizean Jewels Will Play Mas on Carnival Day

The name has been around in the carnival scene for many years. Belizean Jewels Mas Band has snagged titles in carnival competitions and then left the scene before returning. And this year, that mas band has over two hundred revelers who will dance their way along the carnival route. In this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Marion Ali stops in for a visit with Belizean Jewels. Here’s that report.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

Belizean Jewels Mas Band has over two hundred revelers who will represent ten different segments of that carnival group on the big day. On Sunday, they were out in numbers at their Euphrates Avenue location for regular practice. And to make the occasion special, there was even live entertainment.

 

Shanice Garbutt, Program Officer, Belizean Jewels Mas Band

“The occasion is nothing. Belizean Jewels always come with a bang every time. It’s always a lot of surprises. As you can see, today was a random day of violinists and singers to various Soca songs and we can’t wait as well to show you all what you guys will be experiencing at our mass camp.”

 

Shanice Garbutt is the Program Officer for Belizean Jewels Mas Band. She says while the sessions are fun, they’re also important.

 

Shanice Garbutt

“We gather here every Sunday from three to 9:00 p.m., and being a competing band, we have to do choreographed moves. So we’re very strict on that when it comes to that. However, we do have our freestyle section, which anyone can come and join and they do their freestyle dance.”

 

Amber Saunders, one of the revelers, is already feeling the carnival hype and is ready to go.

 

Amber Saunders, Reveler, Belizean Jewels Mass Band

“We come with a bang. You know, just expect a lot of colors, a lot of energy, and you know, just a positive vibe, a positive feel of what Belizean Jewels really is. And how, as one family, we come together and we just do what we have to do and execute whatever.”

 

Marion Ali

Can you share anything about the team or no?

 

Amber Saunders

“All I can say is  look out to see what we’re doing. So, our King and Queen will reveal what needs to get revealed.”

 

So what will the costumes for the Belizean Jewels look like? That’s still a closely guarded secret and so is the mas band’s special attraction in the actual road march.

 

Shanice Garbutt

“We’re finished with most of our costumes. We’re working on King and Queen, which is next week – almost finished with that as well. And we can’t wait to win that.”

 

Marion Ali

“So is there anything you’re coming with new this year? I mean, people say well carnival takes on a life on it of its own – the colors, music, dance moves and so forth.”

 

Shanice Garbutt

“I cannot say.”

 

Marion Ali

“You can’t?”

 

Shanice Garbutt

“No, I cannot say what to expect for the road march.”

 

Marion Ali

“You’ll have something new?”

 

Shanice Garbutt

“Yes, we have something very new for the entire audience and you’ll see that at our judging station and we can’t wait for you guys to see that.”

 

Carnival Day is set for September seventh. Marion Ali for News Five.