With the threat of the Ebola virus, the question has been posed as to whether Carnival 2015 should be postponed or even cancelled. Many have pointed to a similar scenario in 1972 when Carnival was postponed from February to May because of the threat of the polio virus.
When Carnival was eventually staged in May 1973, the rains came and ruined the parade. This was vividly captured the next Carnival by Aldwyn Roberts, the Lord Kitchener in his 1973 Road March, Rainorama.
Here are the lyrics, crank up the volume and sing along.
Rain-O-Rama
–Lord Kitchener
Well they moan and dey fuss and dey say we want we fete
And dey 'buse and they cuss and they say this is a threat
Yes, they damn and they blast, and they say we hope it ain't true
They won't dare to cancel we jump up 1972.
Chorus:
Mama, when they hear they go get the carnival
All masqueraders on heat
When they didn't hear if it was official, but they started turning beast on the street
And they start to jump around, yaay, and they start to tumble down, yaay
And they fall down on the ground, yaay, if you see how they gay, yes
But what was so comical, in the midst of bacchanal
Rain come and wash out mas in May.
Some ah them even say is 'cause they from Morne Coco so they wouldn't let we play
And dey blaming polio, who they think they could fool
All we know they better do fast, polio or no polio, man we want we mas.
Chorus ....
When the news hit the town, the band leaders rail up then
Well they can't slow we down, 'cause a lot of money spent
And they know very well everybody have their minds bent
So they have to try and save us this embarrassment.
Chorus ....
One or two big shots say that it is impertinent to suggest they should play carnival after the Lent
Well the crowd start to bawl, they eh know what they talking 'bout
Why the so and so hypocrites doh shut up dey mouths.
Chorus ....
