Island People Mas is set to better its delivery of services to masqueraders come Carnival 2011 that will be "out of this world," says its creative director Marlon Grant. A signature move towards this goal was the relocation of the band's mas camp and showroom from Stone Street, Port-of-Spain, to O'Connor Street, Woodbrook. The area had increased business activity, as well as better lighting and parking for the comfort of its clients. There's also a youth section for next year's Parade of Bands contest called Twilight Phenom, which forms part of the band's 13-section portrayal titled Shades of the Universe for the national festival.
Every Friday from now until Carnival there would be after work limes at the band house. Last Friday, scores of upwardly mobile adults turned out for the first such event which almost turned into a fete. Island People's sixth Carnival portrayal titled Shades of the Universe was unveiled on August 20 at Pier 1, Chaguaramas, and featured 13 pieces. They were: Twilight Phenom, Saturn Bliss, M51, Zune, Vega, Meteor Burst, Vega, Orion's Starbirth, Galactic Dust, Forever Orbit, Quasar, Mars Secret and Lunar Cycle.
Grant said these new developments, added to the revised quality control systems adopted and introduced for Carnival 2010, were part of the band's ongoing commitment to its masqueraders. "This Carnival was the best in Island People's history. "Our services and security to masqueraders was off-the-chain. We had the Queen's Park Oval as our rest point for lunch on both days and our revellers said they enjoyed the relaxed venue." He said this was achieved despite the departure of three of the band's officials.
He said the remaining executive members became more hands-on, but more importantly took the opportunity to give the IP mas brand a facelift. "I was never worried about their departure," said Grant. The theme in 2009 around the world was about change. We embraced that change and did what we felt was best. "The masqueraders agreed. We have a tradition for delivering excellence. During Carnival 2010, that quality we are known for shone in our road management efforts, as well as in our roll out of amenities for our revellers. For 2011 we'll do what we do and do it better."