Photo Courtesy of Orlando Peters
Carnival Parade Dynamic Duo
Athniel “Addie” Ottley & Lillian “Lillie” Moolenaar Who are they? Amiga and Amigo? Compardo and Comardo? Lillie and Addie as they are affectionately known are true Savaneros, who definitely believe in the culture, traditions, and customs of the Virgin Islands. We have seen these two familiar faces every Carnival now for more than 20 years as hosts of WTJX’s Carnival Parade coverage. Addie is the consummate radio and TV personality, whose voice resonates with many Virgin Islanders searching for answers to concerns, learning about Virgin Islands history or commenting on Carnival activities. During Carnival it is expected that Addie will get each parade morning off to a roaring start as he prepares the viewing and listening audience for the amazing treat approaching Post Office Square. Lillian V. Moolenaar, better known to all as “Lillie, who likes to be in ting” is an educator who began as a host with WTJX on the parade route in 1994. Within three (3) years, she was promoted to sit and share commentary with Addie, for all genres Carnival, culture, VI history, music, education and island-life, among the various topics of WTJX’s broadcast live coverage. From their vantage point atop the WTJX broadcasting stand, they bring to life the sights of the parades for those who may be hospitalized, shut-in, those who may be care takers of family members, and those from the military or various parts of the world. Their skillfulness with technology acknowledges Virgin Islanders who may be away streaming the parades into their homes or offices using the internet and exciting messages that are shared live. This duo creates dialog about the village, the local calypso tents, the horse race, Jouvert…. you name it….once Lillie and Addie start their vibrant coverage, they fill homes, offices, hospitals, with spirited comments that have many singing and dancing from wherever they may be viewing. Addie and Lillie not only speak about the culture during this festive time but they recognize our local people, visitors, “homies” who were Page 34
away for years and have returned to participate or witness these activities. With their lively commentary and vivid descriptions they share the vibrant colors, the images of the floupes, troupes, individual Carnival entries and the “sidewalk posse”. With the help of their co-hosts on the street level, their coverage makes you feel like you are actually are on the parade route in person. Although the viewers can watch the parades on TV, this dynamic duo add “colorful” details that make the experience even more real. Addie and Lillie emphasize that their intentions are to make the viewers and listeners feel that they are actually on the parade route. This event is one they look forward to every year, bringing the culture and tradition of Virgin Islands Carnival into the homes of the Virgin Islands, neighboring islands and those streaming live via the internet. Both expressed that they know that because of situations and unforeseen circumstances, some persons do not come out to the parades, but with their commentary, these persons can become a part of the experience. Lillie and Addie also expressed that they get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that what they do is also bringing joy to the viewing and listening audience. Their observations, not only of the parades, but the entire atmosphere especially in the Post Office Square is an attempt to help the viewers relax at home and still be a part of the festivities. They also would recall all of the Carnival events for the week, and some of yesteryears. With their live commentary and recollections of the past, they create a sense of nostalgia for Virgin Islanders who cannot be present and bring back memories of who they are, where they came from and why we celebrate such a cultural event. Thanks to WTJX, for these two Carnival icons who know our people, our culture and our Virgin Islands. Their voices of the Carnival parades’ coverage will continue to resonate in our homes this year and the years to come and we salute them.
“Embrace our culture, music and cuisine for Carnival 2018”