L. Jonelle Rawlins St. Kitts & Nevis Carnival Queen of the Bands 2015/2016 & 2016/2017

 

What is your name?

L. Jonelle Rawlins.

 

As far back as you can remember, when was the first time you participated in a troupe or carnival event?

I have been playing Mas since I was in primary school in the Junior Parade for what was then, the St. Johnston Village School. I was a Bumble Bee. I then went on to play Mas in the late Mrs. Reynolds Troupe when I was in Basseterre Junior High School and subsequently two other troupes before playing with Banker’s Mas Camp.

 

You won Queen of the Bands for Sugar Mas 45, can you let us know what your theme was?

The costume depicted “The Market” with its fruits and vegetables. I was surrounded by the butcher and vendors with trays.

You won Queen of the Bands last year, can you tell us about the theme and what you depicted?

Last year, in Sugar Mas 44, I played the ‘Washer Woman’ in Banker’s Troupe. His theme was “Golden Memories” and depicted most and many things that were used during and before our great-grandparents’ era.  For example, we featured the outside toilet, or latrine, as it was called; outdoor bath (not the modern outdoor showers), the washer woman who washed her clothing in what we called a ‘bath pan’ with the blue soap, scrubbing brush and wash board, just to name a few.

 Tanty Rosa was one of the main washer women in St. Kitts who washed for a living down by the river after slavery.

{Washer Woman picture is featured at the top}

 

How long has Banker Mas been active as a troupe?

In 2006, Banker Mas Camp launched its first troupe and has entered every year since then. He has won Band of the Year and Most Colourful Troupe in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 15.  He placed 2nd overall and won Most Colourful Troupe in 2007 and again in 2010 winning Most Colourful.

 

Was last year the first time winning Queen of the Bands? If not, let us know what other years you’ve won and the themes.

I have won Queen of the Band five (5) times and placed second (2nd) just one time. My accomplishments are:

2008/2009 – 2nd Place – Exotica with Aurora Borealis Northern Lights

2009/2010 – Queen of the Band – Liamuiga History & Culture with Mother Colony of the West Indies

2010/2011 –   2nd Place – Beauty Beneath the Sea

2011/2012 – Queen of the Band – Somewhere in Taiwan with Phases of the Moon

2012/2013 – Queen of the Band – Til De Soil with Sorrell at Christmas Time

2013/2014 – Queen of the Band – Nature’s Fury with Pacific Tsunami

2014/2015 – Queen of the Band – Sweet Sizzling Summer with St. Kitts & Nevis My Home Land

2015/2016 – Queen of the Band – Golden Memories with Washer Woman.

2016/2017- Glimpse of Basseterre with The Market

 

As Queen of the Bands, what would you tell someone who is not familiar with our Carnival? In other words, what makes our Carnival so unique?

Playing Mas with Banker Mas Camp makes it very unique. His creativity that teaches about our rich culture, coupled with his intriguing designs make mas interesting to play or to watch.

Additionally, St. Kitts-Nevis Carnival, Sugar Mas, is one of the carnivals around the world that one cannot miss. It happens during the holidays, at a time of year when everyone; families, love ones and friends, get together for many, many reasons including Christmas. The name ‘Sugar Mas’ says it all; Sweet Carnival on our Sugar Island, Mas, Fun and Pageantry.