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...Kalicharan: He will be missed

By Carolyn Kissoon

BRIAN MacFarlane's unique style and creativity will be missed in Carnival celebrations, San Fernando masman, Aaron Kalicharan, said yesterday.

Kalicharan, the son of veteran bandleader Ivan Kalicharan, said he was saddened by the news that this was MacFarlane's last presentation.

And he agreed that producers of Carnival bands were not being adequately compensated.

But Kalicharan disagreed that Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival was not the greatest show on earth.

"I believe this is the greatest show on earth. Our Carnival is dynamic and has revolutionised over the years."

Kalicharan said the cash prizes for winning Carnival bands were too small and masmen were unable to meet expenses.

"There is so much cost in producing a band...we had additional costs like music trucks and security. The public don't know what we go through to put out these bands. We have to spend a lot of money to keep the standard high."

Kalicharan said MacFarlane's style set him apart from the rest.

"He will be missed for Carnival because of his style and creativity. He was different and we will miss his talent. I hope he does something in the future and maybe bring back a band sometime."

MacFarlane presented his last Carnival band, Joy—the Finale, on Tuesday. He called on the Government to increase prizes for winning bands and asked that mas men bring back creativity to Trinidad Carnival.

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