Photos by Pauline R.

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Hummm... where do I begin? One of the most anticipated boat rides for the summer was finally here - 2B Promotions Annual Boatride!!! Who remember their "One More Time" boatride last June? Well my excitement started at "Shine IV", when I bounced up Calvin's (2B Promotions) sister-in-law and the crew having ah time over the Memorial Long Weekend. I was most excited to see them there because they roll deep ... and with plenty ah energy!!! And they sure know how to let loose and have ah time!!

Knowing that the weather was going to be beautiful, I wanted to find a great outfit for de ride. I figured a sun dress would be perfect with a pair of sexy sandals. Outfit check! Camera check! Ride to the Circle Line boat check! At last, ah ready to set sail.

Here is the skinny on getting to the boat. TJJ running late Trini style, heading to catch a three o'clock boat ride. Imagine leaving Brooklyn at 2:55pm and boarding is 2:30pm! What'' wrong with this picture? My ride had to make some navigational moves by hitting the Prospect Expressway. Gosh, we hit bumper-to-bumper traffic at 3 o'clock heading to the tunnel - on a Sunday too!! I tell you, it was 75mph all the way through the tunnel until we hit Westside Highway. Thankfully, it was smooth sailing from there. We reached Circle Line Cruises just in time for boarding. As we approached, I noticed the long line of people at the gate entrance waiting to board. That was a good sign for 2B Promotions. Music from the boat could be head from the time we pulled into the parking lot ... another indicator of a good party. As we already know, it is very important to have a good sound system on yah boat, and it was evident that 2B made sure ah that! With plenty bass to jam, we knew this was going to be an awesome boat ride.

From the time we board it was the sweet aroma of Stew Chicken, Macaroni Pie, Potato Salad and Stew Peas, just to name a few of the mouth watering dishes. A real 'Trini Style' Sunday lunch ... yummm!!!! Food line was kinda long, so my girl Rupa hooked meh up with meh plate ah food. While I savored the tasty chicken, I was handed a stiff drink of scotch and coke to wash it down. I had some catching up to do as practically everyone on the boat was drunk already, especially since they did not have to worry about transportation to and from the boat. Ah doh blame dem ... I would be drunk too, yes! Bus ride provided from Queens for 150 people - smart thinking by promoters.

With meh belly full, I headed upstairs to the sweet jamming Soca music supplied by Curt of Cassanovas. Partygoers wasted no time, busy throwing waist. A quick change of DJs, Conrad gave Curt a break and did his thing. All of a sudden, a downpour of rain came. It was like Carnival Monday evening in St. James with everyone jumping up in the rain to the Trinibago Massive Rhythm Section on the boat. It's now the boat was on fire!!! "Jamming down d road ... like ah wining sailor!!!" People were drenched from head to toe; beads of rain dancing on their face as it hit their once scorching skin. Palms to the sky and smiles as bright as the sun, they welcomed the cool droplets from the rain. Then, as sudden as it came, the rain disappeared. Only clear skies and elated people.

DJ Conrad, announced Funky Fat Boy up next and there was a raw from the crowd. As Funky took control, he asked for a moment of silence for Rodney Ramdeo aka Indian, one of the members of the 2B family. The outpour of love and emotions was certainly heart wrenching to watch. He is gone, but certainly not forgotten. There were poster size pictures placed in the window near the DJ booth, for his friends and family to the show their love and respect. It was a beautiful sight. During the moment or silence, all the 2B members, Rodney's two sisters and close friends gathered to shed their last tears. Sizzla Kalonji's "Be Strong" played in his honor. There was a medley of Bob Marley songs like "Who The Cap Fits", "Don't Worry" and in closing, everyone sang along to "Let's Get Together". Celebrities, family and friends a like flew in from all over to be a part of this special event dedicated to Rodney. Earl Anthony Chrysostom, a Trini born actor/teacher living in Canada, was on board to show respect as well as, Daryll Warner and his friends from Trinidad. Also showing respect, were DJs and promoters such as, Anonymous, Peter from Matrix Promotions and Jason Benn. I was so moved by the outpour of emotion, love and respect that was on the boat. It was evident that Rodney was loved and missed by all his friends and family.

As the memorial wrapped up and the tempo started to pick up, Funky Fat Boy announced, "One thing Rodney like to do was party, so let's have ah time for Rodney!!" It was no surprise to me to see the people wipe away their tears, slowly collect themselves, and start to go crazy to the sounds of Machel Montano. We were in full swing again. This wine is for you Rodney!! Funky had the whole boat in ah frenzy.

Special unexpected and eye popping entertainment on the boat too. It was pure antics by a Brazilian partygoer that caught everyone's attention when she was placed in a chair, and hurled in the air by some partygoers. Wining in her glee, her legs touched the ceiling of the boat. I can't forget about the Tarzan swing from the rails on the side of the boat too ... it was pure intoxication. All I can say is 2B supporters sure know how to party!! Time to put meh camera down and ah tek a wine!! Shoot, ah was having such ah time, I did not even realize the boat docked.

Well, my flier in meh pocket for the Wuk & Wine 2 Boat Ride on July 19th!!

Pauline for TJJ