Caribbean unity on show at Jamaica road march

Media personalities and social media influencers Joel Nomdarkham of Jamaica and Joel Manning of Barbados, both revelled as 'Yardies' with the Yard Mas band for a first-time carnival experience on Sunday.

Nomdarkham said it was his first carnival and encouraged all Jamaicans to at least try and experience carnival.

"It is really cool to see how the brands are coming together and how people are enjoying themselves, but most importantly, for me, is seeing how Caribbean integration is important," he shared with THE STAR. "So I'm just looking to the vibes on the road and also ensure that my friends who are visiting from different islands have a good time." Manning said that Carnival in Jamaica is "next level amazing".

"Because it's actually my first carnival in Jamaica as well and I haven't even tried to compare it because it's just so different. It's unique and it's wonderful to experience [with] the fact that you infuse the reggae, the dancehall and you throw in the soca you expect to have at carnival as well. We absolutely [had] an amazing time and the people are amazing; the vibes on the road [was] next level," he shared. Manning, who is also a member of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., recently landed in Jamaica with his team to promote Barbados Crop Over Festival, that is set for July 31 to August 6.

Aside from the pelting heat, which the Barbadian said he managed well by keeping himself hydrated, he expressed that he has "no other complaint [as he] thoroughly enjoyed everything" while indulging in what Jamaica has to offer.

Nomdarkham noted that there's plenty of history behind carnival overall and persons should go out and experience it.

"For me, this is not something I would generally do but I had no regrets. Just being in the streets, seeing the vibes [is great]. My thing is, people need to have fun and enjoy demself. People enjoy demselves in different ways and carnival is one a dat way that bring people together. It's the togetherness that I really think is important so go out and experience it if you can," he advised.

- N.W.