UWIval 2019

UWI Carnival

By Richelle Taylor

“How do you go to a wet fete and you don’t expect for you to get wet?”

Well, there wasn’t a single dry spot in the Roy Marshall car park on the 5th of April, as the much anticipated fete on the UWI calendar unfolded. Asa Banton, a Dominican soca artiste, ‘made a mess’ as he ensured the 2019 J’ouvert superseded the expectations of its name and pure pandemonious vibes it was. Banton’s performance took the energy of the crowd to another level, first by his unexpected dispersing of bottled waters to patrons followed by the distribution of multiple tissue paper packs which patrons utilized as rags; from a birds eye view it created a sea of white. By the end of his performance everyone was sure to be wet.

Another crowd favourite was Trinidadian soca sensation, Erphaan Alves, who charmed the ladies with hit songs such as, ‘Overdue’ and brought a heat of affection with his live rendition of, “Blazing love.”

Amidst all the hype of Uwival events it is worth to mention the value they hold to the student community who partake.

Stress Relief

UWIval events come at a time just after midterms exams a and little before final course assignments are due. They provide a couple hours where students are sure to take their minds away from the academic stresses and ‘let their hair down’ in the moment.

Regional Integration

“Everybody jumping up together, waving up together.”

The UWI community itself exemplifies this. Campus-based events such as ‘Uwival’ and Jouverts which provide a raw showcase of regional integration at its best. This is because the event is open to the general public so students and patrons alike capitalize on the opportunity of showing patriotism for their nationality with the waving of national flags and rags of the respective colours of the countries they represent. Interestingly, it wasn’t by chance that this 2019 Jouvert offered an exciting line-up of DJ’s and guest artistes from the various Caribbean islands.

Cost Effective

Though many patrons typically opt for casual white attire to highlight the slaps of paint, there’s no need to expense oneself, ‘dressing to impress’ like you would for an all-inclusive, all white event. Simply wear what you have or what you don’t care to lose.

‘Yuh cyan come jouvert if yuh fraid paint or water’

Memories

“Take a picture now gimme something ah go remember now”- Kerwin Dubois

Surely, Uwival is an experience to remember, whether you attended, ‘Carnival Thursdays’, Jouvert or final jump up, those are the memories that will count as you reminisce in years to come about your University life. Just as important as memories, so are the people we share them with, whether it be your ‘feteing famalay’ or UWI acquaintances. The bonding in a different atmosphere outside of lectures is quite special.