Alister Thomas presented his mas’ troupe’s 2012 designs, which were done in collaboration with his daughter Serwa and son Damany. (Photo by Gemma Hazelwood)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua - The 2012 designs for mas’ troupe Ali and Associates were unveiled during their Sponsors Award Cocktail, held on Saturday evening at D’Cups Restaurant.

      It has been 35 years since Ali and Associates launched under the name Invaders, which they changed a few years after to Ali and Associates.

      Among those attending were the sponsors’ representatives, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and other VIPs.

      The evening commenced with Nathaniel "Nat Mosses" Francis introducing internationally renowned saxaphonist Tyrone "Scaly" Mason, who provided the audience with a rendition of the national anthem.

      He also played My Way as his personal tribute to band leader and mas’ designer Alister Thomas and his associates.

      The entertainment continued with a duet by musician Gavin Christopher and pan virtuoso Lacu Samuel, paying a tribute to Ali and Associates.

      Thomas then gave an historical review of Ali and Associates’ 35 years of mas’ and contributions to Antigua & Barbuda’s Carnival, culture and art. 

      He also announced that this year’s designs are a collaboration between Thomas, his son Damany Thomas and his daughter Serwa Thomas, who designed and coloured five of the nine sections.

      At the end of the evening, sponsors AUA, Global Bank of Commerce, Hadeed Motors, Should Toys and Gifts, Town House Mega Store, Cool & Smooth, LIAT Quick Pack, Anjo Whole Sale-Grace Foods, GCS, Percival Enterprise, IMobile, Stitch World, and Monica David received awards for their sponsorship.