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World Cup Carnival in PoS

By Charleen Thoma, newsday.co.tt

NATIONAL pride demonstrated in the only way we know how — through a Carnival parade through the streets of Port-of-Spain yesterday. It was the response of Trinidadians and Tobagonians yesterday following the Warriors 1-0 victory against Bahrain. The victory has propelled us to the World Cup Finals in Germany next year.

Shortly after the victory in Bahrain, seen in TT by almost every one, Frederick Street was awash with celebrating Trinis. Schools in the city were dismissed early. Employees ran out of offices and stores, and began a street party with music provided by the mobile CD pirates who were found on every street corner.

Traffic slowed down significantly, sometimes halting, as drivers honked horns and flashed headlights from the top of Frederick Street all the way down to Independence Square. National flags, bandanas and anything in red were hot sale items, as people felt the need to wave something to show their joy. The bandanas, which usually sell for $5, were going for $10 and at one time were sold for as much as $20. Asked how many bandanas he had sold, a vendor said "don’t worry about that, when it finish we will get more."

People wined, jumped, waved and sang "TT we beat Bahrain." At one time the chant was "Ole! Ole!"

A convoy of TSTT vehicles joined the celebrations, with persons shaking the employees’ hands and giving the thumbs up. Employees from Bridal and Curtains took a bolt of fabric in national colours and paraded down the street. Another dozen supporters held a strip of cloth in national colours and made the block across Independence Square, up Henry Street, via Queen Street, down St Vincent Street and back unto Independence Square. It was the route for the unofficial parade.

For at least an hour, the madness reigned without a police presence. When the police showed up, one officer directing traffic at the bottom of Frederick Street was applauded as he did his job with a miniature national flag in hand.

Persons carrying massive TT and FIFA flags soon appeared from nowhere, as did a bunch of youths beating iron, empty water bottles and buckets.

The sidewalks, swollen with people, overflowed onto the streets, but armed officers trying to control the traffic could only ask them to stand back. They also allowed a man to show off his football skills to the delight of onlookers.

By 4.30 pm, the city returned to normal, as commuters hustled to City Gate to get out of town, while others were looking for alternative venues to continue celebrating.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/stories.php?article_id=30776

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