Since the launch of Sugar Mas 48 on November 15 when National Carnival Committee Chairman Noah Mills revealed that there would be a change to this year’s Grand Parade route, speculation has been rife as to where that new route would be.
In an interview with Freedom FM, Mills explained that there will not be a new Parade route, however certain components have been changed, after consultation with stakeholders such as the troupe organizers and vendors.
He said instead of assembling on Wigley Avenue, troupes will gather at the Buckleys roundabout (behind the Caribbean Cinemas), and at 12pm move East along the Bypass Road, turn right at the St. Peters roundabout, follow the road across to the tamarind tree by the Springfield Cemetery, then turn left onto Cayon Street into town as normal.
Other changes affecting the Grand parade include adjustments to the judging points and criteria.
Craftsmanship has been eliminated from the judging criteria except the first judging point at the start of the parade, and the judging point at the SKNA National Bank of West Independence Square will be eliminated.
The parade will make its way around down town as per the usual course.
The Carnival Chairman said prize monies for the winning troupes will remain the same this year, and the Ministry of Culture continues its extensive support to the entities to ensure the success of the parade and by extension, Sugar Mas.
The Sugar Mas Grand Parade takes place over a two day period, January 1st and second, 2020.