It’s Carnival time again!
Many of our readers have probably been piloted by Monique Nobrega on their trips abroad without knowing it. They also may not have known that they were being taken safely to and/or from their overseas destination by someone who has been one of the major driving forces behind the creation of the hugely successful carnival bands Tribe and Bliss, as well as the offsprings Red Ants and fete producers Ultimate Events.
Born in Guyana under the horoscope of Libra, Nobrega is true to form as such people are said to love being on the road, being out in the open, and also have a great liking for the arts and entertainment…all true to her Carnival and flying pursuits.
At Tribe/Bliss she is the head of design and production. Married to co-founder of Tribe, Dean Ackin, for the past 13 years, Nobrega is the mother of two children, ages ten and six. She started off as a flight attendant in 1989 before becoming a pilot with BWIA in 1999. Her dad, Mike Nobrega, was also a pilot. By the way, she also inherited her good looks from her mom, Fay, once a beauty queen in Guyana.
Prior to the start of Tribe 11 years ago, Nobrega, her sister, Lana, and now husband, Dean, designed and produced a section in mas band Poison from 1989 to 2003, under the direction of Michael Headley.
As if she was not busy enough with her parenting, flying and Carnival duties, Nobrega started a line of resort wear called JMadison, sold exclusively at Bikini Cabana, 31 Carlos Street, Woodbrook.
How do you juggle the many hats you wear? You must have a strong support network.
Yes, I could not do it without my family who are my biggest support team at home.
It is always hard to leave my children but I know when I do leave, that they are being well taken care of.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in north Valsayn in Trinidad.
Which schools did you attend—primary, secondary, post-secondary?
I attended St Joseph Girls’ RC and Curepe Presbyterian School as primary, St Augustine Girls’ High School as secondary, CAV air Aviation School in Florida where I did my commercial pilot’s licence and multi-engine rating. I then attended The Aviation Academy in Coventry, England, to study aviation theory.
To which destinations do you currently fly with CAL?
Toronto, New York, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jamaica, St Martin, Antigua, Barbados, Surinam, Guyana, Caracas.
What are the plans for your mas band for Carnival 2015?
To stay at the top of our game, to develop new and innovative ideas for the band, and to always think one step ahead of the competition. Tribe will be portraying “Wings of Desire” and Bliss, “Blue.”
What advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours?
Work hard, strive to be the best, learn to take criticism and use it to your betterment, never let others set boundaries for you, set your own boundaries but make sure you can live with yourself at the end of the day with the decisions you have made.
What is your favourite thing about Carnival?
Seeing the band on the road and the masqueraders enjoying themselves in a costume I have designed and produced.
What is your greatest accomplishment in Carnival?
The Carnival bands of Tribe and Bliss and the improvement in the quality and construction of the costume product which the masquerader now receives.
Who was your favourite childhood superhero?
I think Wonder Woman, she was a working woman with super power strength.
What is your greatest fear in life?
Not being there for my kids when they need me the most.
What would be your most perfect day?
Relaxing with my kids at the beach with family and friends
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My children. They are two of the most loving people I know.
What was your first paying job?
From early in my life, I have been involved in business. My sister, Lana, myself and a friend opened a gift wrapping stall in Valpark Shopping Plaza every Christmas for a few years. We started when I was 12.
If you could dine with someone past or present, with whom you haven’t, who would you choose?
I think Richard Branson. He is such a great business mind, and I believe there is so much I can learn. Also Nelson Mandela, he was such a strong-willed man who was dedicated to a cause which consumed his life. It is very selfless. I admire that.
What is the most difficult decision you have ever had to make?
I have not made the decision as yet, but it is something I have been struggling with for a while now, and it is to leave my aviation career for the betterment of my children.
What would you say is your greatest virtue?
A small word with a big meaning, honor—honesty, fairness or integrity in one's beliefs and actions, a person of honor. Strive not to BE honored but to be a person of honor.
What daily motto do you live by?
Treat others as you would have them treat you, and let your conscience be your guide.
What is the most meaningful gift you have ever received?
The gift of my children from God, they are my greatest treasure.
My favourite piece of advice is…
Hard work never hurt anyone.
I wish I had known sooner…
That life is not always fair and probably never will be.
Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with M, the other with N, your initials.
Motivated, Nonpartisan.