Caribana News

By LENNOX FARRELL

The Russian novelist, Tolstoy, in 'How much land does a man need?' wrote about a farmer named Pahom. Born very poor, Pahom developed an obsession with owning land. Eventually, the more he got, by fair means or foul, the less able was he to enjoy it, or to satisfy an insatiable greed driven by his former need.

Eventually, Pahom made a deal with some 'stupid peasants', the Bashkaris. For their best farmland, and paying them one thousand rubles, he'd obtain title to whatever land he could traverse that day. However, he had to return before nightfall to the spot where they awaited him, or lose his money.

By LENNOX FARRELL

In 1993, the Board of the Caribbean Cultural Committee (CCC) faced a Civil action in court to the tune of several million dollars.

Served notice along with the CCC were the City of Toronto and the Harbour Master's office. What had happened? Unfortunately, a patron on a boat cruise had fallen overboard. At night.

The court was on Grovesnor Street, south of College, and between Yonge and Bay Streets. A YMCA stands opposite the site today. There were a battery of lawyers representing the City, so many in fact they outnumbered the spectators. The lawyers for the Harbour Master's office sat on their side.

By LENNOX FARRELL

Control has revenues. Ownership has expenses. However, does ownership guarantee control? Not in Caribana, it doesn't. From its inception, when the CCC, now the CAG, created Caribana - in the same way the CCC later created the Jane Finch Children's carnival - they have been arm-wrestled by some mas' producers who, in order to be remunerated properly, believe that they must have control.

Fair is fair. There are years when winners had hell, real hell collecting prize monies. And owing people. There are also years when some took money to bring mas and brought boycott. And who frowns today on the questionable practice of bringing mas' either 'made in China' or 'imported from Trinidad'? Fair is fair.