Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Saldenah Carnival (Mas Camp) yesterday, and received a warm welcome from a busy camp of well-wishers.  The PM was accompanied by MPs Marcie Ien and Michael Coteau amid a heavy security presence.

Greeting Trudeau were Louis Saldenah, Jennifer Hirlehey, Festival Management chair, Mischa Crichton, Chief Executive Officer, and General Manager Adrian Charles.

“The most important thing is to see if this brings a boost to the festival,” said Saldenah.

“A lot of people come out and watch the parade free; the politicians don’t realize how much more than glue goes in to producing mas. And I think it would help all of the band leaders, because you’re going to realize that it takes a big production crew to produce all these costumes. In a broader sense, when the FMC applies for funding from the federal government, at least they [the government] have an idea of what it takes to do this kind of production.”

An optimistic Mischa Crichton added: “I am so hopeful that this visit from the Prime Minister is a sign of the recognition and impact of the Caribbean community culture on Canada. We are one of the biggest reasons why Canada gets to say that they have a culture that is diverse, that they have a culture that is full of art and expression. I’m hopeful that it’s going to make a difference in that we are going to see the funding we need and deserve to continue our legacy.”

The PM, as is his style, was quite comfortable at the camp, even as his security detail kept him well insulated for obvious reasons.

Even so, the visit wasn’t hurried as the PM, in his style, embraced as many as he could.

The hope now is that Trudeau extends a generous hand to ensure that the Carnival gets what it need to stage a great show.