Parents told to ‘behave’ for Carnival

The ministry appealed "for students to see that they can enjoy themselves in a responsible manner, without succumbing to the state of drunkenness and irresponsible sexual activity."

The advice was given as the ministry gets set to launch a series of pre-Carnival preparation programmes in schools later this week, to ensure that students have information to make the right choices.

The programme will focus on issues such as abuse of drugs, alcohol and the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Several groups and individuals are scheduled to visit schools throughout the country to remind students that the choices they make today will be the choices they have to live with tomorrow. Included among the groups are Arts-In-Action, Hal Greaves, Dara Healey, Pearl Eintou Springer, Inter-Cultural Organisation of Performing Arts, and the Platinum Mind.

The ministry has also approved the participation of schools in several Carnival activities. These include the National Junior Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions, the Junior Roving Calypso Tent, National Junior Panorama, Junior Carnival King/Queen and Individual competitions, Junior Parade of the Bands and the National Youth Action Committee Junior Calypso Competition.

The ministry also reminded students to "have a good time, but remember respect and responsibility are our watchwords."