0:00:02 > 0:00:044,000 miles south-west of the British Isles,
0:00:04 > 0:00:08where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea,
0:00:08 > 0:00:10lies the island of Anguilla.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Colonised by English settlers in the 17th century,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16it was quickly abandoned because of its poor soil,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19so the African descendants, many of them former slaves,
0:00:19 > 0:00:20became landowners,
0:00:20 > 0:00:22rather than plantation workers,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25fostering an independent spirit and close connection to the land
0:00:25 > 0:00:30that still flourishes. Today, just 3% of the population is white,
0:00:30 > 0:00:34and it's now one of the 14 British Overseas Territories
0:00:34 > 0:00:37with its own government and the Queen as its head of state.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Fire!
0:00:38 > 0:00:41It's very similar to growing up in Cornwall,
0:00:41 > 0:00:43everybody looks out for each other,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45and it's just a really nice way of living.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48I mean, I've been here 23 years.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49I still think I'm kind of British.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53With an average temperature of 80 degrees,
0:00:53 > 0:00:57British expats have been lured here by the beaches, low taxes
0:00:57 > 0:00:59and relaxed way of life.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02We have a tradition in Anguilla of going to take a sea bath.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05This is the epitome of paradise!
0:01:05 > 0:01:08You know, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12But this delicate island's future is precarious.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14With few natural resources,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Anguillans have always had to be inventive to make ends meet,
0:01:17 > 0:01:21competing with larger nearby islands like Antigua and St Kitts
0:01:21 > 0:01:23for the tourist dollar.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Here, the threat of hurricanes is ever-present,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and in the eye of these storms is a rock -
0:01:30 > 0:01:33the Anglican minister Bishop Errol Brooks,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36who presides over the island's largest parish.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40As a people, we stand strong
0:01:40 > 0:01:42when things get rough.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44This paradise is extremely fragile.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51In the days to come,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54it's carnival time in Anguilla.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57A little bit concerned at some of those outfits there, Trudy!
0:01:57 > 0:01:58I mean, I quite like it.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03Friends Trudy Nixon and Sue Ruan prepare to join a carnival troupe.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04It's quite exciting.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Rookie sailor Reggie Oliver joins in the sailing regatta.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11You know, it's one of those experiences
0:02:11 > 0:02:13you'll never forget for the rest of your life.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15The barbecue king, Ken Vanterpool,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18cooks up a storm using his home-made charcoal.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22That open-fire barbecue we do in the Caribbean.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Coal, the coal, to me, is what really creates
0:02:25 > 0:02:28that fantastic barbecue.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32And carnival revellers parade to Sandy Ground.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Carnival is all about stealing other people man!
0:03:10 > 0:03:14It's late July, and despite a little unseasonal weather,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16the locals aren't going to let it dampen
0:03:16 > 0:03:17a week of carnival celebrations.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21From her home in the valley,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Dr Linda Banks is getting ready for a special church service.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27I love this necklace,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30it was specially made for me by a local artist,
0:03:30 > 0:03:38you know, so, on this first Sunday, which is closest to August 1st,
0:03:38 > 0:03:44we all go to church in our African clothes, celebrating emancipation,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47celebrating the fact that we were freed from slavery.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51At St Mary's Anglican church,
0:03:51 > 0:03:56Bishop Brooks is holding a service to commemorate August 1st 1834,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00when the abolition of slavery came into force on Anguilla,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02freeing over 2,000 slaves.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10# Praise the light above... #
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Emancipation is a great celebration in the Caribbean.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16THEY SING A HYMN
0:04:19 > 0:04:25During the first week of August, we have our carnival,
0:04:25 > 0:04:31and the celebration is all in connection with the emancipation
0:04:31 > 0:04:33of the slaves.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Today is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39It's also being observed as Emancipation Sunday.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Today's reading is one of Linda's own poems.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46What makes you so proud
0:04:46 > 0:04:50To strut up and down in your African gowns day and night?
0:04:50 > 0:04:53What makes you hold on to a history long gone
0:04:53 > 0:04:56That was so full of wrong, hate and spite?
0:04:56 > 0:05:02'We try to inculcate in our young people the fact that, you know,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04'it has not always been like this,
0:05:04 > 0:05:09'that our forebears were actually brought from Africa to these islands
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'to work in the fields.'
0:05:12 > 0:05:16And suffered a lot of indignity, a lot of oppression.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- Let us bless the Lord. - ALL:- Thanks be to God.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Go in peace and continue to love and serve the Lord.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24In the name of Christ, amen.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25And do have a pleasant day.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Carnival in Anguilla is a mixture of boat racing and street parades.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Anybody can participate in the parades by signing up to a troupe.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46I'm a little bit concerned at some of those outfits there, Trudy!
0:05:46 > 0:05:48We've got capes.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51A nervous Sue Ruan from Devon is joining a troupe
0:05:51 > 0:05:53for the very first time,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56despite having lived in Anguilla for over 20 years.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59She has the support of best friend Trudy Nixon,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01a seasoned carnival reveller.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02Is that the only option with the...?
0:06:02 > 0:06:05No, when I spoke to her, she said...
0:06:05 > 0:06:10I said I didn't want a tiny costume, so, I mean, she sent me some others,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13but when I saw them, I nearly jumped.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14That's one.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18So I said, OK, give me another option
0:06:18 > 0:06:20that covers us up a bit better.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21And that was the other one.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23I mean, I quite like it.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25It's quite a bit high.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27There's not a lot going on there!
0:06:27 > 0:06:29There's not much support, really, in that, is there?
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- No, no.- So that would be our option for us, then.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35I think so.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Having decided on their preferred outfits,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41they've come to pay organiser Janicia Brooks.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45She's ordering the troupe's costumes.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48So I'm going for the monokini.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Where do you get the costumes made?
0:06:51 > 0:06:52- In Trinidad.- In Trinidad?
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Fantastic. And Sue was showing me a picture,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and we've got big feathery headdresses.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03That's the most important thing for Trudy, is the headdress.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05It's going to be a good amount of feathers.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Yeah.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10What we're concerned about is that we get covered up,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12because we're not spring chickens anymore!
0:07:12 > 0:07:16I know, I know, but this is about culture,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18you kind of show a little bit of skin, you know!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21THEY LAUGH
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- 330.- OK, there we go.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Thank you so much.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26Thank you very much.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33Also planning for the carnival festivities is Ken Vanterpool,
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Anguilla's barbecue supremo.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41His barbecue shack, on the strip outside St Mary's church,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43is legendary.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46I focus on locals.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Tourists, we welcome them.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51But I want to make sure that my locals
0:07:51 > 0:07:54get a good product at a very good price.
0:07:54 > 0:08:01A chicken and a johnny cake, with a drink, you need nothing else.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04So this is a johnny cake, Caribbean tradition, the johnny cake.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09People in those olden days call it "johnny" for whenever you are on a
0:08:09 > 0:08:13long ride - you have it, you could just keep on biting on it.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17They are great - soft and nice and very tasty.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21For part of carnival week,
0:08:21 > 0:08:27Ken moves his barbecue three miles down the road to Sandy Ground Beach,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29which becomes a hub for the festivities.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34He's been running his stall for 20 years,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36barbecuing chicken and pork ribs,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39which he serves with his secret barbecue sauce.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43That open-fire barbecue we do here in the Caribbean,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47just taking wood and burning it, making a charcoal,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49taking some chicken,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52dry rub, put it on a grill, turn it brown.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And the coal, the coal, to me,
0:08:55 > 0:08:59is what really creates that fantastic barbecue.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06And to ensure he has a plentiful supply of grade-A charcoal,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Ken and his team make it themselves.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12So this is actually how we put the wood together.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15This is going to give us about 40 bags of coals.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18We cover it all up, leave a little hole at the top,
0:09:18 > 0:09:19light some fire in it.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22It is a traditional thing. I used to work along with,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25helped my dad set up his, when I was a little boy.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Cos the coal is expensive, 25-30 US dollars per bag.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36The process of making a charcoal stack can take a few days to build
0:09:36 > 0:09:41and a week to burn and cool down, so planning in advance is critical.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42Come this way, come.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48At a local beach, Ken is gathering seaweed and moss,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52which will go on top of his stack to make the woodpile burn slowly.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57A couple of months ago, we had a lot of seaweed,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01all the beaches on the southern side all covered with moss.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13OK, let's go.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Process again, full and...full and let's go.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Before adding his beach seaweed,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22the stack is layered with some tree branches.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27They form a nice bedding over it, so that too much air does not get in.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30If too much oxygen gets into the wood,
0:10:30 > 0:10:31it's going to catch fire and burn to ashes.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Next goes the layer of seaweed and moss to help further contain and
0:10:37 > 0:10:39airlock the stack.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40Long, hard process.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Stick it all on.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47And then we got to take some dirt and cover it all.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49Then we light it.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Once lit, the job is still not done.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Over the next few days, as the wood burns down, the stack will move,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03so Ken will have to make regular visits to keep an eye on it.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04At night, you can't sleep,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07you've got to be up three or four times at night to come and check.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11At the end of the day, you're smiling within a week's time,
0:11:11 > 0:11:16then you pull this down and you get 40, 50, 60 bags of coals.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The national sport in Anguilla is boat racing
0:11:24 > 0:11:28and carnival week is dominated by a regatta.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Each village competes for the fiercely contested bragging rights
0:11:32 > 0:11:35with hand-built boats that are manned by crews of up to 20.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39In the village of Island Harbour, on the east of the island,
0:11:39 > 0:11:44Tommy Webster and his crew are at the final stage of working on this
0:11:44 > 0:11:45season's brand-new boat.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52It's the latest model in a long line of the prize-winning boat UFO.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54I came up with this design
0:11:54 > 0:11:59and so far we only tried it out in three races,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01and it seems to be doing real well.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02You go up?
0:12:05 > 0:12:06OK.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11At 28 feet long, the wooden hull has an epoxy resin skin
0:12:11 > 0:12:16and the boat has been made entirely on site right here in Island Harbour,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18using traditional skills and craftsmanship.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25Now, come peel our graphics, all freehand done.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32This is the fourth UFO boat the Island Harbour crew have built
0:12:32 > 0:12:36and they have high hopes it will continue their winning legacy.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37These are some of our accomplishments.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42The same amount we have here we already distributed with the crew members,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44sponsors and big fans.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Racing is a part of life, you know, it's a part of our culture,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50our origin. It's in us, it's in our blood.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Born to race. Don't care what size race it is.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56We just want to race. It's in us.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04UFO's status as one of the top racing teams on the island
0:13:04 > 0:13:07is the stuff of local folklore, as Reggie Oliver,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09from New York, knows too well.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Wow! This is the famous UFO,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16one of the most famous boats on the island!
0:13:16 > 0:13:17Oh, boy!
0:13:19 > 0:13:21This boat just means so much
0:13:21 > 0:13:24because it was the championship boat when I first came to Anguilla,
0:13:24 > 0:13:25so it was...
0:13:25 > 0:13:27it was a big deal.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29On the day of the race,
0:13:29 > 0:13:34novice sailor Reggie will be joining the 17-man crew for the first time.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37At the helm will be Tommy's uncle, Irvine Webster.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Hey, man!
0:13:39 > 0:13:41It's going to be an honour for me, man,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43because I saw it win so many battles
0:13:43 > 0:13:46and there is so much pride here in Island Harbour, you know,
0:13:46 > 0:13:48so this was, like, my favourite boat.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51But to be on this boat, I never dreamt about that, you know!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Yeah, put you on the bail out, Reggie.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57We have a five-gallon bucket and you're going to be bailing the water out.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Yeah, when I first came down, I heard that they would throw you
0:14:00 > 0:14:02overboard, coming in, to lift weight off.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Before.- That's right, they made it a rule now...
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- They can't do that. - They can't do that?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- If you do it, you get disqualified. - Is that right?- Yeah.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Well, I'm going to be doing what you guys tell me to do,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15so whatever you tell me to do, that's what I'm going to do.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17But we're going to win!
0:14:21 > 0:14:24The first parade of carnival week is Jouvert.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28The procession starts at 5am in The Valley
0:14:28 > 0:14:32and, by 10am, it's expected here at Sandy Ground.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Keen to serve the hungry revellers when they arrive,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and also raise funds for St Mary's Church,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43are Joycelyn Richardson and a team of helpers
0:14:43 > 0:14:46preparing a breakfast of saltfish, chicken and johnnycakes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51We've been doing this breakfast, Jouvert breakfast, for many years.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56So we sell tickets and the idea is to raise funds
0:14:56 > 0:15:01while we cater to the needs of those who party,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03the revellers, and have fun.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Carnival is all about stealing other people man!
0:15:07 > 0:15:09LOUD LAUGHTER
0:15:11 > 0:15:15Yeah, it's about singing and dancing and having a lot, a lot of fun.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19# Da, da, da-da, da, da, da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da, da! #
0:15:19 > 0:15:21CHEERING
0:15:21 > 0:15:23You won't see me shaking my booty!
0:15:23 > 0:15:25SHE LAUGHS
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Also getting ready for the Jouvert crowds is Ken,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36who's at the nearby beach preparing his barbecue
0:15:36 > 0:15:38with his home-made charcoal.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47The word "Jouvert" is derived from the French words meaning "day" and "open",
0:15:47 > 0:15:50and signals the beginning of carnival week.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55With its very early start, and a three-mile walk from The Valley,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58the procession mainly attracts a young crowd
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and traditionally has calypso and soca music.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04It's August Monday and all of us there to have fun.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06CHEERING
0:16:06 > 0:16:10It's emancipation, that's what we are celebrating,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12that's what the revelry is all about.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22By the time the party reaches the St Mary's stall, it's mid-morning
0:16:22 > 0:16:26and for many it's time for a traditional Anguillian breakfast.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I have...
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Saltfish...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33with a boiled egg and fried johnnycakes.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36You can get baked, but I prefer them fried.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38There you go.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Bush tea, if you wish.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45People were looking for this roof.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47They know we give them good stuff.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55At his beachfront barbecue, Ken is struggling to cope with demand.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Ken!
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Yeah, I've been very busy today.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06It's one of the most busiest days ever.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Thousands of persons, I'm trying to feed them but, as you can see,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14we can hardly keep up with it.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19We should finish up at 1, 2am... 1, 2am tomorrow.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21It's constantly going, going, going,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23but that's the price you pay.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28As the party moves to the beach,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32it's all over, bar the washing, up for the team at St Mary's.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Their efforts today have made over £5,000,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40which they'll use towards church building projects.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42For the church, it's a good present.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46And they know that we are alive and kicking,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50and they certainly came and supported the cause.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Further west, Sue is keeping an eye on friend Trudy's home
0:17:58 > 0:18:00while she's away for few days.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Girls!
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Hello!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06And she needs to give a quick Skype call
0:18:06 > 0:18:10to give her the latest news about their carnival costumes.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Hello!- Hello, hello!
0:18:12 > 0:18:14How are you?
0:18:14 > 0:18:15I'm fine.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I've got a bit of an update for you, though.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- I got a text...- Yeah? - ..from the group leader and...
0:18:22 > 0:18:24They're not going to arrive in time.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- What?!- Not for the whole troupe.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- TRUDY GASPS - I can't believe it!
0:18:30 > 0:18:35So, apparently, some people in Antigua are loaning some costumes,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39but the only problem is we don't have any...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43bikini or swim thing, it's just the headpiece and the feathers.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46I have a red swimsuit, so that's fine.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49In fact, I've got two red swimsuits, of course.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Only having part of a costume, Sue dives into Trudy's closet...
0:18:53 > 0:18:54Oh, here we are.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57..to see if she can rustle something together.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Oh. Oh, my gosh!
0:18:59 > 0:19:01SHE GIGGLES
0:19:01 > 0:19:02Oh.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09SHE LAUGHS
0:19:09 > 0:19:11You actually wore this one year?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Is this...? Oh, I remember, yes!
0:19:13 > 0:19:16With the orange and turquoise headdress.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Yes!- Let me see the... Let me see the behind view,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23make sure that you've got enough tushie to fill that costume out.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Do you know? That's quite... Yeah!
0:19:26 > 0:19:27LAUGHTER
0:19:31 > 0:19:33It's August Wednesday
0:19:33 > 0:19:37and at Sandy Ground Beach there's a hub of activity
0:19:37 > 0:19:41as the competitors for the carnival regatta make last-minute preparations.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46There are races throughout the week,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50with the top five boats going into a final on Sunday.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Well, the Sonic has a reputation and the Real Deal, they came first and second yesterday,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58so we're going to definitely have to do it today.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Today's race will be a first for novice sailor Reggie Oliver,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05who'll be joining the crew of his favourite boat, the UFO,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07from Island Harbour.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11This is all kind of new to me, but boat racing to Anguillians,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15it goes back historically into the whole history of the island.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17They fish, and they go to other islands to work,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19and they made these boats by hand,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22so they're great craftsmen and builders,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25and so when they get into the racing, that's very important.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30HORN BLARES
0:20:31 > 0:20:35At the starter's horn, the 14 competing boats get underway.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Today's race takes the boats south around the island to Blowing Point
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and back again - a distance of around 27 miles.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Following the tradition of old Anguillian fishing boats,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56from where the sport originated,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59racing boats have no deck or in-built ballast.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02The crew act as the main source of weight
0:21:02 > 0:21:06and sit either side of the hull, depending on the point of sail.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Trimming the sails and catching any slight advantage of wind over their
0:21:11 > 0:21:13competitors is a continual battle.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23From the shore, Theresia Liberd, manager of the boat the Wasp,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25keeps tabs on the race.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27So the Real Deal is still in the lead...
0:21:27 > 0:21:29by at least three, four boat lengths.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33You know, you just anticipate to hear when your boat is next,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35what's coming for you.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Heading to the halfway point, there are five boats in contention.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Real Deal is in front, Eagle second so far,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47then we have the Satellite...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50UFO, Sonic, and, you know, it's too much to call on the back.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Onboard UFO, Reggie is keeping out of harm's way
0:21:58 > 0:21:59in the middle of the hull,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03away from the flying bodies of the crew switching sides
0:22:03 > 0:22:04as the boat tacks.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08They're sailing and they say, "I see a breeze coming,"
0:22:08 > 0:22:10and all of the guys look.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13How do you see a breeze?!
0:22:13 > 0:22:16To be able to see the wind, to read clouds,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19it's a different dimension of thinking than I have.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23The UFO today is actually in fifth place
0:22:23 > 0:22:25and, if she keeps that position,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27she will make it to Champion of Champions on Sunday.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35With only days until the final carnival parade,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38and their own costumes having failed to materialise,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Trudy and Sue have come to a local school
0:22:41 > 0:22:45to pick out costumes that have been donated by locals and from Antigua,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48including a couple that Sue has had put aside.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49SHE GIGGLES
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Are you excited?
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- There you go, my dear! - Oh, my God, it's fantastic!
0:22:58 > 0:23:00THEY HOWL WITH LAUGHTER
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I think it's going to work.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11After checking out the carnival credentials of the headdresses,
0:23:11 > 0:23:16they take a look at other items to rustle up a full costume.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Cos it's on your waist, it's actually quite comfortable.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Apparently, my costume has got a big shoulder piece like this
0:23:24 > 0:23:27and I've never worn a shoulder piece before.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28It's quite exciting.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Actually, this disaster might be turning into quite a good thing.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40In terms of costume experience, I'm going to get double the costume,
0:23:40 > 0:23:41which is good.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48At Sandy Ground, the competitors in the August Wednesday Boat Race
0:23:48 > 0:23:49are heading for the finish line.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54It really just matter who crosses the line first.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Just the person that comes between the two buoys is what really matters.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01It's been a three-and-a-half-hour battle
0:24:01 > 0:24:04with the forces of the wind and sea.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10But the first one home is the Real Deal.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17The UFO makes its way through the finish line,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20to the delight of guest crew member Reggie Oliver.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Unbelievable, it was unbelievable.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28You know, it's one of those experiences you'll never forget for the rest of your life.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33You know, you've got these big 250lb men throwing themselves on each other,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35running from one side to the other.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38When we got halfway here, I wanted to go to bed!
0:24:38 > 0:24:42I didn't realise how strong they are and they're pulling that sail,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44that takes a lot of strength, you know.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Quite an experience, though, wow.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52Today, the UFO came in fourth and qualifies for a place in the finals,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55the Champion Of Champions race on Sunday,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and the chance to build on its fated reputation.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07It's the final day of carnival, and time for the Grand Parade.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Come on now, people, The Parade Of Troupes.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Make sure that your costume ready - at least my costume is ready!
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Gathering in The Valley,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22troupes in their carnival dress get ready to parade through the streets.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30The tradition of these costumes stems back to European settlers,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33who brought their religious and masquerade celebrations with them,
0:25:33 > 0:25:38which, through time, became fused with African and local culture.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39We're in the same colour!
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Taking part are Trudy and Sue.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Despite the disaster with their original costumes,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Trudy's last-minute loan is beyond her wildest dreams.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54I'm just, like, so excited, cos I never thought I'd get the
0:25:54 > 0:25:56opportunity to wear a costume like that!
0:25:56 > 0:25:58OK...
0:26:02 > 0:26:05The wind is going to blow me over, I think.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07I'll go downwind of Trudy!
0:26:08 > 0:26:10I might not topple over, then.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Trudy, don't move.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15Stop, stop, stop. Stop, stop!
0:26:22 > 0:26:27This year, over 1,000 locals joined in the parade.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Whether costumes are home-made,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32passed down or bought for hundreds of pounds, in the end,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36it's all about participating and celebrating.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38The carnival celebration, really,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41is a celebration of emancipation.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Apart from all the jollification, there is a serious side to it.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56We have this celebration as we remember our forebears
0:26:56 > 0:26:59and those who were brought across the Atlantic as slaves,
0:26:59 > 0:27:04and we thank God for the freedom which He has granted us.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- ANNOUNCER:- Put your hands together!
0:27:14 > 0:27:17It's 180 years since emancipation
0:27:17 > 0:27:21and, for Bishop Brooks, the role of the church is as important today
0:27:21 > 0:27:23as it was then.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28At that time, many of the estate owners felt that
0:27:28 > 0:27:30they would have a riot on their hands.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36But instead of that, many of the slaves went to church that day
0:27:36 > 0:27:38and there was much rejoicing in the streets.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46No nation or power has any right to enslave anybody.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53We will do our part in trying to make sure
0:27:53 > 0:27:56that it doesn't take root in our region again.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01In the days to come...
0:28:01 > 0:28:02Oh, dear.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03Oh, dear, Oh, dear.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06..at one of the island's premier resorts,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Anna Kennedy encounters some unwelcome guests...
0:28:10 > 0:28:13You can see this is a little white fellow in the middle there.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17There's the start of what we don't want, little devil.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21..island vet Dr Gary Swanston gets to grips with a reluctant patient...
0:28:21 > 0:28:24So here we have Snowflake.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- SNOWFLAKE YELPS - Oh!
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- Snowflake does not like... - That's not nice!
0:28:29 > 0:28:31..and, on neighbouring Antigua,
0:28:31 > 0:28:37Bishop Brooks leads celebrations for the 175th anniversary of the diocese.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39It's not a party, it's a celebration,
0:28:39 > 0:28:41and we do that regularly down here in the Caribbean.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It's a wonderful sight to behold.