From left, Danielle Lee, Sharon Chung, Sheila Lee and Karen Campbell having a good time at the launch of Carnival City. - Winston Sill JAMAICA CARNIVAL will open its new mas camp, dubbed Carnival City, located at Marketplace, Constant Spring Road, tonight at 7. It will be the official home of Jamaica Carnival for the next three years.
Carnival City will also be headquarters for D'Masqueraders mas band, Goodyear Socarobics, Jamaica 'Junior' Carnival, all blow-outs and the Friday millennium jams.
This was announced Thursday night by Byron Lee, chief executive officer of Jamaica Carnival, during a 'soft' launch held at the venue, attended by sponsors, media representatives, soca enthusiasts, business interests and supporters of the movement.
According to Mr. Lee, each Friday will feature a different theme with lots of prizes, surprises and giveaways. The camp will open from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Selectors will include Coppershot, Colin Hinds, Kurt Riley, Marlon Young and Peter Phillips of Jamaica, with Giselle Blanche from Miami and DJ Jus Jase of Trinidad and Tobago.
The following is a list of the dates for the jams:
Appleton Millennium Jam - Friday, February 16
Pick 3 Millennium - Friday, February 23
Burger King 'Whooper'
| Millennium | - | Friday, March 2 |
| Tastee Millennium Jam | - | Friday, March 9 |
| Lovebird Millennium Jam | - | Friday, March 16 |
| Moneygram Millennium Jam | - |
| Friday, March 23 |
| Pick 3 Millennium Jam | - | Friday, March 30 |
| Coca Cola Millennium Jam | - | Friday, April 6. |
D'Masqueraders, under the direction of Byron's daughter, Daniel Lee, will present a unique extravaganza, comprising eight costume sections representing various cultures. These are Centurions and Venus of Rome; Primal Instinct of Africa; Sambistas of Brazil; Las Vegas, the city of lights; Louisiana's Merry Mocho and Nirvana, portraying peace and tranquility. Goodyear Socarobics will begin from Wednesday, March 7 and will run every Wednesday until April 4. The grand finale will be Sweatarobics on Wednesday, April 11.
The official launch of the Jamaica 'Junior' Carnival is set for February 24 when a Millennium Party will feature costumes with beach, Halloween and birthday themes.
Jamaica Carnival will stage three blow-out fetes in Kingston, Sunday, March 11 and 25 and April 8.
Showtime asked Mr. Lee, if the break away from other carnival groups would affect the operation of the various groups.
"No! I think it is healthy for the carnival movement in the island to have various groups. People need choices, this is what will make the movement dynamic and appealing.
"I just returned from Trinidad and in one area there are about 22 groups in one area, each offering its product in a competitive way," he responded.
Justin Whyte
