Bigger Foreday Jam

by Davandra Babb

It will be one big J’Ouvert party when the Foreday Morning jump rolls around this Crop Over.

Although an exact number cannot be given for the bands this year, the acting Corporate Communications specialist of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Andre Hoyte confirmed yesterday that “there is an increase in the number of bands when compared to last year”.

Last year a record number of 23 bands hit the road.

Hoyte also assured patrons that NCF was putting measures in place to facilitate the larger crowds.

“We have met with the police and are putting security measures in place for the entire season. The Department of Emergency Management will also be back on board this year to add to the security,” Hoyte added.

Given the increased interest in the Foreday morning jump, bandleaders are now expanding their bands and offering more attractive packages.

One of the newer and largest bands, Island Fusion is glad to be on the road again this year. Director of media and public relations for the band, Sade Jemmott said this year the response has been very positive and they are looking forward to a very successful year.

“This year our band will have around1 000 people, which is a little bigger than it was last year,” Jemmott said.

Jemmott said she believes that Foreday morning was growing because people realise there was no stigma attached to it.

“I think persons previously made judgments about J’Ouvert without experiencing it for themselves. But now the younger people are much more interested in it and are coming out to take part,” she added.

Another new band Frenz 4 lyfe is also coming bigger and better this year. The band which has significantly increased in size from 350 to 450 this year, is also a more attractive package to its members.

“Last year our members said they had a lot of fun and we are now offering a better package to our members including a frontline section for the first time,” said Dave Greaves who is associated with the band.

He also said he believes that, “a lot of people prefer foreday morning because it is cool and there is no sun”.

“ I find that more and more of the older people prefer the foreday morning jump to grand kadooment.”

Fran Wickham, who makes an annual appearance at Foreday Morning, said her band 1Trini & A Bajan would also be bigger this year, but could not give exact numbers noting that registration was ongoing.

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