Trinidad and Tobago: CIRC pays tribute to former Queen of Carnival, Helen Humphrey

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The Carnival Institute and Regional Carnival-CIRC of Trinidad and Tobago has paid tribute to and former Queen of Carnival, Helen Humphrey, who took her last breath on January 18, 2023. The tribute was paid to the Queen as it is expected that the Carnival session is about to commence in the nation.

The post by the CIRC Trinidad and Tobago informed, “Carnival is in the air, so let’s take a nostalgic look back this #ThrowbackThursday. Today we feature a Carnival personality and former Queen of Carnival, Helen Humphrey, who passed away on January 18, 2023.”

According to the post, Helen Humphrey was the wife of former government minister John Humphrey. She was also an activist and voice for the less fortunate, especially those with Down Syndrome. She was instrumental in the founding of the National Association of Down Syndrome (NADS).

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Institute further outlined that she was a true lover of mas. Some of her portrayals were:

• In 1973 she appeared in Wayne Berkeley and Robert Ammon’s band “Secrets of the Sky”, placing 1st in the Individual Category.
• In 1974 she was the “Jewel of Tutankhamun,” placing 2nd in the Individual Category, Wayne Berkeley’s band “Kaleidoscope.”
• By 1980 she was the “La Diablesse” from Peter Minshall’s band “Danse Macabre” and was declared the Queen of Carnival.

In the end, CIRC stated, “We showcase some of her costumes over the years. Does anyone remember her from these or any of her other portrayals?”