Masquerade band creates two-hour traffic chaos in West Dem.- Drivers infuriated; Vreed-en-Hoop Police refuse to intervene

Apr 02, 2019 News

By Alex Wayne

It was all chaos on Sunday – with steamy cuss-outs and prolonged traffic congestion – when a group of Masquerade Dancers and band members, literally took control of the West Demerara Public Road (from Goed Fortuin to Vreed-en- Hoop) disrupting the flow of vehicles for almost two hours .
This infuriated drivers and pedestrians alike who were desperately trying to get across the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The traffic build-up Sunday on the West Demerara Public Road.

Horns were honking continuously, as drivers attempted other almost impossible alternative routes, adding to the already chaotic and rowdy scenario.
When traffic ranks at the Vreed-en-Hoop police station were contacted to intervene, one Constable rudely retorted that he was off duty and could not deal with such an issue. He also ruled out a reporter’s suggestion that he make contact with available traffic ranks to rectify the situation.

Investigations revealed that a popular masquerade dancer from the ‘Westside’ had died and was cremated on Sunday last. As such, a popular masquerade band leader from the West Demerara had taken it upon himself to gather dancers from several villages to ‘celebrate the man’s death’, as the dancers related. They admitted that they had sought no police permission to engage in such an activity, and mouthed that “money gat fuh mek” when chided by onlookers for the confusion they were causing on the road
Mothers looking on were horrified that some of the dancers darting in and out among the vehicles appeared to be no more than nine or ten y

A male and female dancer deliberately block the path of a car as they solicit money for their effort

ears of age.
Viewing the maddening spectacle, one woman belted out in anger…”My goodness is what really going on hey. Look at how dis big man get dese lil children dancing pon dis road obstructing traffic. Where are the mothers of these children that allow this dreadful thing…. Look at how some ah dem drivers almost running them over… And where is the police when they are most need

Onlookers were appalled at how very young some of the dancers (at right of photo) were

ed”
There were at least two teenage girls among the dancers.

Onlookers particularly feared for the young dancers who seem terrified in some instances. Even if they were, they had no choice than to obey the harsh bellowing of the band leader who kept shouting “Y’all go out deh and dance fuh yuh money…”
Vehicles were weaving all over the place as the drivers swerved to avoid hitting the dancers. And spectators were continuously ridiculing how the dancers were rudely demanding cash and dancing directly in the path of the vehicles.
Even as this was going on, police officers at the nearby Vreed-en- Hoop station were observed chatting in the Enquiries Department.