Watching over mas

THE ASSURANCE given by Police Commissioner Hilton Guy that both policemen and soldiers will be on street and patrol duty in greater numbers for the two days of Carnival is welcome.

We expect that it will serve to dispel the apprehension and anxiety that has been widely expressed about the safety of the celebrations in light of the violent incidents which marred last year's revelry. "I have no reason to doubt we will have one of the safest, happiest and cleanest Carnivals in the history of Trinidad and Tobago," said the CoP on Monday. Mr Guy disclosed that, based on strategies worked out with the Defence Force, the Tourism and Industrial Development Company and Carnival bandleaders, there will be a greater presence of uniformed police officers and soldiers during the two days of Carnival. They would be strategically placed in order to respond rapidly to any eventuality. Action will also be taken by plainclothes officers to deal with the problem of undesirable elements intruding into the costumed bands.

With such a strategy in force, revellers, including the hundreds of visitors who have come to participate in the festival, should feel more confident about their safety as they enjoy the street parade. They should be particularly pleased to learn that members of the Regiment will also be playing a significant part in this extended Carnival "watch". But while we commend the protective and preventative strategies announced by the Commissioner, we think it is important to remind both players and spectators that our national festival has, historically speaking, been an exceptionally peaceful one and they should all be concerned to keep it that way, not only in terms of their own conduct but also in taking action to defuse potential conflicts that may arise within their own circles.

Even at the risk of being tiresome, we would again appeal to all revellers, particularly the legions of young women who now  dominate the two-day parade, to have a great jump up, to play their mas' without going overboard or descending into lewdness and vulgarity. The festival has often been hailed as an escape value for emotions and tensions, but that should not be taken as licence to indulge in indecent and salacious displays. We must all do our part in the effort to keep our Carnival clean and to preserve its reputation for being an all-embracing melting-pot event. In spite of its changes over the years, the festival remains one of the world's most colourful human spectacles, welcoming visitors from different parts of the globe. And if we want to enhance its value as a national economic asset, we should all be concerned to preserve its vibrant yet peaceful and friendly spirit.

One problem that has arisen within recent years is the intrusion of non-costumed revellers into the ranks of leading bands contesting for prizes at the various competition venues. While we believe in the democracy of the festival, we feel these intruders should not be permitted to spoil the effect of competing bands whose members pay considerable sums to acquire their costumes. Intruders should be confined to jump at the back of such bands and not permitted to join the parade at various points of competition. Whether we like it or not, rivalry among the leading bands has become a part of the festival and, in presenting their portrayals on the competition stage, they should not be bothered by intruders from outside. We would also appeal to all revellers not to overindulge in alcohol which can impair their restraint and control.