By Vernon Khelawan

The fact must be established that the Catholic Church has nothing against Carnival, but it certainly has serious objection to the behaviour of many masqueraders on the two Carnival days during the Parade of the Bands on the open streets of the country.

But how does Carnival impact on the Second Pastoral Priority – Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity? In Trinidad and Tobago, Carnival has always been recognised by the Church as an integral part of the country’s culture and has always tried to weigh in on the values it may serve to perpetuate. That recognition was taken a step further last year when a parish group moved to “bring out” a band, which participated in the various carnival activities. The same thing will happen again this year when “Exodus” hits the road this carnival. At the launch of the band in November, Republic Band Exodus Steelband provided great music and have now decided to be on the road with “Exodus” come Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

The band offers Church members the opportunity to get involved in preserving the good that there is in Carnival.