Beautifully arrayed in costume, wife and husband Latara and Nicholi Stevens experienced GenXs Carnival for the first time in their lives on Sunday, and they harboured no regrets.

Both were not new to the Carnival scene, but for many years a rival of GenXs was the couple’s parade of choice during Carnival, long before they got married.

“I am excited. This is my first time with GenXs. I love Carnival and soca music. Even before we got married we have been coming to Carnival. As a matter of fact, we have been coming to Carnival since we were dating. It’s so nice to be able to do this with my husband,” Latara told the
Jamaica Observer.

Nicholi confirmed that he and his wife are big lovers of soca music, so much so that their wedding entrance music was the piano version to the soca song Hello by Kestheband.

“This is our first time jumping with GenXs like she told you. We usually jump with another band. This year we decided that we would make a change and I love the energy GenXs brings. March 18 was our anniversary and we have been married for three years,” he chimed in. “It is a good feeling to know that I can enjoy Carnival with my wife. This is something we do every year even before we were married.”

Seeming as if she was on top of the world in her Carnival costume, Nickesha Roach, who is a chef, expressed that she was happy that Carnival actually took place. Roach pointed to the devastation caused to many parts of the island last year October by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa and said that Carnival happening represents hope and that the country is bouncing back well.

“This is not my first time at Carnival. The experience on the road is amazing. I love the music and the pretty costumes. This is important for Jamaica. After Melissa we thought nothing would happen. This will give us money. It has brought many people into the country,” she shared.

Australian native, Rosa Salinas, who lives in Manchester England, told the Observer that she had been to Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago but never in Jamaica, which is an experience she has long yearned for.

“I have always wanted to do Carnival in Jamaica. So far it’s the best. I love the Jamaican food, the people, the music, and the weather. My friend here is from Puerto Rico. I met her on this trip and she is loving Carnival in Jamaica as well,” Salinas shared.

GenXs brought out Lori Brown for the first time.

She lives in Connecticut in the United States and, although she was born in Jamaica, she had never been to Carnival.

“It costs a lot of money for the costumes and everything, but it’s all good. My friends wanted to come and I love new experiences so that’s why I am here,” she said.

Dr Rebecca Waugh shared that she is in Jamaica for Carnival every year. She explained that she had an amazing time this year.

“Carnival brought me to Jamaica. I come every Easter for Carnival and to spend time with my dad who lives in St Mary, where I am from. This is my third year with GenXs. They never disappoint. The energy is always here. GenXs is number one.

“I have a doctorate in health-care administration and I work in the mental health sector. Mental health awareness is very important. You have to take care of yourself because your mental health affects your overall health. This is me doing my self-care right here by being at Carnival,” she said.

Australian Rosa Salinas (left) and her Puerto Rican friend. (Photo: Jason Cross)

Husband-and-wife duo Nicholi and Latara Stevens experiencing GenXs Carnival for the first time. (Photo: Jason Cross)

Chef Nickesha Roach was cooking.