By Clint Chan Tack Wednesday, February 13 2013

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THE HUMAN RACE: Leader of the Opposition and PNM, Dr Keith Rowley, with cigar in one hand and mug in the next hand caught in full flight in Woodbrook...

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MEMBERS of the People’s Partnership Government and the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) appeared to have a consensus yesterday that the 2013 Road March title would go to Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons with his infectious “Fantastic Friday.”

In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Opposition Leader and PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley said, “It’s time for the jump up thing. It’s time for the free up thing! Happy Carnival everyone. The bouncing start!” Rowley said. Rowley also posted a picture of himself playing sailor mas in Port-of-Spain on his Facebook page.

Government Chief Whip and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal also believed SuperBlue would win the Road March title this year. “I think SuperBlue will run away with Road March,” Moonilal told Newsday. He said he spent yesterday in San Fernando and thought that “Carnival is progressing fine.”

Asked what he thought about the format of this year’s Dimanche Gras show, Moonilal said there was room for improvement. “Dimanche Gras was a pleasant change and with a few improvements, it will be better in 2014,” Moonilal said. Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert agreed with Rowley and Moonilal about who would win this year’s Road March crown.

“SuperBlue for Road March.”

However Imbert thought this year’s Dimanche Gras “was awful.” He said it was “too long, badly organised, lacking in imagination; disjointed and pointless without the competition element.” The Calypso Monarch and Kings and Queens Finals which are normally a part of the Dimanche Gras show were removed from this year’s show, and held as separate competitions. Imbert also thought this year’s Panorama finals “went on far too late” and while Carnival Monday’s mas “was dead” yesterday’s mas has “come alive.”

Laventille East/Morvant MP Donna Cox said her pick for Road March was “SuperBlue or Blaxx.” She admitted to having “a soft spot for Blaxx” since he was her constituent. Cox said she did not see the Dimanche Gras show and could not comment on it.