I am CaribBeing ‘Sailing Di Parkway’

Shelley V. Worrell, the Trinidadian-American founder, chief vibes officer and band leader of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean in East Flatbush and Flatbush in Brooklyn, says she’s “honored” to portray “Sailing Di Parkway” for the massive West Indian American Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, for Labor Day Monday.

“Sailing Di Parkway’ is our interpretation of Sailor Mas, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago,” Worrell told Caribbean Life in an interview at the mas camp, at Little Caribbean’s headquarters, on Nostrand Avenue, between Linden Boulevard and Martense Street, in Brooklyn. “But there are iterations in Guadeloupe. I imagine that’s because people were sailing in the Caribbean.”

Worrell said the portrayal stemmed from a conversation she had with her Trinidadian-born aunt, Anna Worrell (her father’s sister).

“But this is a Brooklyn version,” she said about “Sailing Di Parkway,” adding that while I AM CARIBBEING will be playing mas on Eastern Parkway for the third successive year, it is the second time that it will compete in the huge carnival.

She said I AM CARIBBEING ranked among the top 10 bands last year.

“We’re a very inclusive, body-positive band, with accessibility,” Worrell said. “None of our costumes costs over $200.00, and it’s (costumes) sustainable, because you can wear it again.”

Worrell said she expects 100-200 masqueraders in five sections in “Sailing Di Parkway”:  Bush Ahoy, Captain Stush, Sail Master, and two options for Bush Crew.

Kiola George portrays “Captain Stush.”Photo by Nelson A. King

Guyanese-born Kiola George, renowned as “The Flatbush Barbie,” said she will be portraying Captain Stush.

“I’m excited to participate,” said George, who will be playing with the band for the second successive year. “It’s a wonderful representation of Caribbean culture.

“I’m really proud of Shelley and what Little Caribbean has really fostered in our community for community people,” she added.

Oliver Luke portrays “Bush Crew.”Photo by Nelson A. King

Oliver Luke, who was born in Brooklyn to Guyanese parents, said he, too, participated with the band for the first time last year.

“I felt represented,” he said, disclosing that he will portray “Bush Crew” this year. “I felt seen. I left like I’m partying with family and friends.

“I’m looking forward to wining, dancing, laughing, drinking – just celebrating, partying,” Luke added.

Shi Stupart portrays “Sail Master.”Photo by Nelson A. King

Jamaican-born Shi Stupart – who has played mas in New York, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, among other places – said she will be portraying Sail Master.

Stupart, a Brooklyn resident, who hails from Trelawny in Jamaica, said she also played with I AM CARIBBEING for the first time last year.

“Pure bacchanal, wutlessness (colloquial for worthlessness),” she exclaimed, when asked what she expects this year. “I look forward to playing mas. No matter where I’m playing mas, it’s always something to look forward to.”

Jan Luk Stanislas, a Guadeloupean native and co-founder of I AM CARIBBEING, said the band expects to “make an impact this year.”

“Carnival is a celebration of our culture,” he added.

“We’re going to mash up the Parkway,” intoned Worrell, disclosing that DJ Tabby will be among DJs providing pulsating soca music to masqueraders.

For more information, go to I AM CARIBBEING.com or visit the mas camp at 1399 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11226.