Fear not this Carnival

Police Commissioner, Everald Snaggs, has reassured the TT population that they will experience a “sense of comfort” and safety this Carnival, since all systems are in place for top security over the next two days. Speaking with Sunday Newsday yesterday, Snaggs said the majority of the police force will be out over the next two days, including plainclothes officers and even those on leave will be working to ensure a safe Carnival for the population and tourists alike. The curtain for TT’s much cherished Carnival festival opens with Jouvert, tomorrow from 5 am and will see the culmination of thousands of revellers on the streets of downtown Port-of-Spain. In the past, there were varied starting times for Jouvert — at one time 2 am, others 4 am and also 5 am. It has now reverted to the 5 am schedule due to security concerns associated with the current crime situation, according to National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) President, Richard Afong.

For last year’s Carnival, there was heightened police presence in downtown Port-of-Spain, based on police information that a number of people were passing through City Gate, armed with knives and other weapons. Asked if it will be the same this time around, Snaggs said he could not divulge the details of police operations for the Carnival period. “Only know that the Protective Services will be out in full force and the population, mas players and tourists will be able to feel a sense of comfort and security,” he said. Afong said everything is also in place for Jouvert mas bands and Carnival bands on Monday and Tuesday. He said approximately 15-20 traditional Jouvert bands are expected to make their stops at judging points by 10.30 to 11 am. On Carnival Tuesday, most large bands begin to take their respective positions from around 7 to 7.30 am. The bands competing comprise of mega large bands, large bands (over 1000), medium bands, small bands and mini bands. Afong warned mas bands that they will be heavily penalised if they break the rules for the Parade of Bands route. The route and competition venues will run from Adam Smith Square, Ariapita Avenue to Victoria Square, Richmond Street, up Frederick to Park Street and straight to Charlotte Street, where they will head to Memorial Park  and then to the Queen’s Park Savannah.

The NCBA president said he was confident about the security for all mas players and spectators since he was satisfied with the measures put in place by the Ministry of National Security and the police service. Snaggs said there were several consultation meetings between the Ministry, the protective services and all Carnival organisations such as the National Carnival Commission (NCC), NCBA and Pantrin-bago, which seemed satisfied with the security plans. “We want everyone to feel safe and reassured and not alarmed by the police presence. We recognise we have a service to fulfill for the population and we will do so for the Carnival,” he added. Checks with the TT Hotel and Tourism Association revealed that all hotels in the Port-of-Spain area are totally booked. Chin Lee also announced last week that plans were underway to commission Black Entertainment Television (BET), to do a one hour programme on Carnival in TT at a cost of US$50,000.