3 of Us International – Dollar, Super & Brown Eyes – Boat Ride

On Sunday, August 9th, 2009, when the triple-decked Treasure Queen cruise vessel pulled out from the Pier 2 dock in Chaguaramas and sailed into the open sea, it was no ordinary boat ride. The occasion was the organized and well-attended cruise party hosted by 3 of Us International – Dollar, Super & Brown Eyes.

The day started with people arriving in small groups at the Pier from as early as 8 a.m. to meet the ship. The atmosphere was refreshingly cool with a beautiful picturesque view of the ocean as the early morning sunlight made its way across the vast, calm waters. People were coming in with their coolers and bags on trolleys packed with food and drinks for the cruise.

Members of the Picton Folk Performing Company, one of the most prominent cultural groups in Trinidad and Tobago made quite an impression when they turned up fashionably dressed in their theme colours green and yellow. Many of the other patrons also showed up wearing green and yellow fashionable outfits with colourful hairstyles and accessories to match.

Although the departure time was scheduled for 9 a.m. patrons were still boarding the vessel after 10 a.m. When the Treasure Queen finally pulled out from the docks it was minutes after eleven and the party immediately went into full swing with music blasting out in the open sea. Although it took some people a while to get into the full swing of things, others were already on the dance floor having a good time showing off some of their dancing skills to the rhythmic sounds of Soca, Hip Hop and Dancehall music.

The weather was ideal for the occasion. With brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies, patrons enjoyed a smooth ride apart from the occasional and non-threatening swells. Many, not taking too much time away from the festivities aboard the Treasure Queen also took the opportunity to check out the scenic view of what is locally referred to as “Down the Islands”.

After about two hours of non-stop partying the Queen began her approach to the Perruquier Chacachacare Island for two hours of rest. Chacachacare is one of the “Bocas Islands”, which lies in the Bocas del Dragón (Dragons’ Mouth) between Trinidad and Venezuela. In 1924, a leper colony was established by Dominican nuns on this island.

The leprosarium was known as the “Hansenian Settlement” which included wards for men and women patients, a doctor’s house, a chapel and a nunnery. The leprosarium was in operation until 1984 when patients were moved to the Port of Spain General Hospital leaving Chacachacare deserted. Although the island remains uninhabited, it is frequently visited by locals and tourists.

After the ship was securely moored, many of the patrons left the vessel with their food and drinks, found their cozy picnic spots and swam and relaxed for the two hours. Those who remained onboard continued partying before heading back.

At about 3 p.m., everyone was back onboard the Queen ready to party for another two hours on the journey back. The weather was just as intoxicating with blue skies, calm waters and brilliant sunlight. On the first deck where most of the dancing took place, the Picton Folk Performing Company rhythm section heated up the atmosphere with their pulsating music while the DJs took a short break.

People danced, clapped and sang along with the band. In the midst of all the excitement, a surprise birthday cake was presented to Peggy-Ann Edwards, secretary of the Picton Folk Performing Company and Christian John, a member of the group. After the happy birthday song was played with the crowd singing along, the DJs resumed their duties to the delight of the partygoers.

Around 5 p.m., the Treasure Queen pulled into the Pier 2 dock bringing the cruise to an end with hardly anyone appearing to be tired. After the vessel moored and everyone was safely on land, they all left and headed toward their homes. The day was very exciting and people had a good time. The journey was a safe and memorable one.

TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: August 09, 2009
Posted: August 30, 2009

Brown Eyes’ Green and Yellow Boat Ride in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=384726