Mas’ man Russell Anselm Charter dies at 87 - made history for the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra as the first Steelband to ever earn "Band of the Year

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His greatest passion in life was that of a Mas Band Producer. He is known in Trinidad as well as in the Caribbean community for his lifetime contribution to the Trinidad Carnival and the Toronto Carnival (formerly known as Caribana) of which he served as the Parade Chairperson. His involvement in "Masquerade" or "Mas" created many "firsts" for which he shall always be remembered in both Carnival communities. The greatest story is his portrayal of Gullivers Travels in 1963, where he produced a giant Gulliver with the life-sized masqueraders as the Lilliputs.


This attributed to his win of "Band of the Year" and "People's Choice Award" in 1963 and made history for the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra as the first Steelband to ever earn this coveted title. Two of the costumes from his 1979 Caribana win as Band of the Year were obtained and are on display by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. The costumes were on display during the Papal Visit of Pope John Paul II in 1980.

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