May 1, 2009 — Flanking an almost life-sized replica of the Sanderilla Thomas Bungalow, the St. Thomas Majorettes moved into Post Office Square Friday ready to wow the crowd with their glittering fruit-themed costumes, fully choreographed baton routines and a tribute to President Barack Obama complete with students dressed up as the first couple and their Secret Service entourage.
"Hello, Mr. President," came the call from the packed crowd lining the streets of downtown Charlotte Amalie for the annual Children's Parade. Dressed in a crisp black suit and tie, 17-year-old Michael Watson played the part of Obama expertly throughout the afternoon, stopping from time to time to wave to his fans, sign autographs and even do a couple of on-camera interviews. First Lady Michelle Obama — played by Watson's classmate Natoya Castor — stayed close by during the routine, decked out in a classic red dress, glittering rhinestone belt and silver slingbacks.
After pausing near the bandstand to chat and shake hands with Cecile deJongh, the pair moved down the road to the soulful notes of Etta James' "At Last," one of the president's "favorite songs," according to the group's announcer.
Along the parade route, many other acts also showed they were taking this year's theme — "Echoes Through Time for Carnival 2009" — seriously. While Carnival Queen Karence DeCosta paired her glittering crown with a ruffled madras dress, the scores of Charming Twirlers Majorettes paid tribute in their routine to past calypsonians with a montage of medleys dating as far back as the early 1980s. As the sounds of brass band faded over the loudspeakers, the familiar voice of Carnival stalwart Irvin "Brownie" Brown took over, supplying the audience with a vivid description of the majorettes' costumes, the group's makeup and the history behind their anti-violence, anti-hate message.
"Well, you know that's a good 'ting," Brown said in his pre-recorded message.
V.I. Montessori School students were a big hit early in the morning with their sailor and clown-themed costumes — part of a routine called "Mas from the Past." Sailors were clad head to toe in gleaming white and sparkling blue suits, while the clowns bounced around in multi-colored one pieces and jump ropes.
Swinging along the road in three two-story trolleys to the sounds of an original song entitled "Let's Preserve Carnival," the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra also paid tribute this year to Elvino "Sifu" George, who died last month.
"He was a renowned calypso king in the Virgin Islands," said Rising Stars director John Hodge. "He was also one of our early pan-men, who worked with many youths over the years. He was really a stalwart of steel pan here in the territory."
Calypso greats such as the renowned Nick "Daddy" Friday and Sinclair "Whadablee" DeSilva, were also honored throughout the morning. DeSilva's son Kamoi — last year's junior calypso monarch — channeled his father's energy as he was driven along the route, belting out his 2009 entry entitled "Calypso."
The Sebastien Majorettes also kept Jam Band in mind as they performed their routine to "Pepper," and "Teresa Rocking" by Imagination Brass. The majorettes were accompanied this year by their own marching band, which hasn’t performed in the parade for at least a decade, according to former Sebastien major Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone.
"A lot of the musicians wanted to do something for Carnival, so we thought, let's bring the band back," Malone said.
In the grand tradition of the past two children's parades, Gov. John deJongh Jr. stepped into the square for a dance with reigning Road March champions JDPP Jammerz. Donning some dark blue boxing gloves, deJongh stepped into the center ring with the band, whose members sported multi-colored boxing shorts and shirts for their new song "Push It."
"Beat that punching bag," the band sang, as the governor quickly learned the steps and lifted his gloved hands above his head.
Looking into the crowd, it seemed that everybody — the crowd, members of the media, even some of the governor's security detail — was dancing along with the music.
DeJongh was also close at hand when the Traditional Indians entered into the square to finish out the parade, which featured about 45 acts. Whooping and hollering alongside a small band of drummers, the Indians brought down the house with their feathered headdresses, suede loincloths and spears.
"Now," deJongh joked, "why didn't they ask me to do that?"
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