Zero Tolerance for Crime During Carnival
By Suelika N. Buchanan
~~Adz:Left~~ (Basseterre; St. Kitts): Chief of Security for the National Carnival celebrations, Superintendent Ian Queeley, said that the Police and Defense Force are ready and equipped to deal with any incidents that may occur during the National Carnival celebrations.
He spoke at the National Carnival Press Conference that was held at ZIZ Studios, on Wednesday, December 19th.
The press conference was chaired by Mr.Juni Liburd and also present were the Chairman of Carnival, Gus Williams, Executive Director of Festivals, Allister Williams and various heads of committees for the Carnival celebrations.
Queeley said that his presence alone at the press conference was indicative of the fact that police and defense force are committed to ensuring that not only we have a good Carnival but a safe one as there is a zero tolerance for crime.
“We will ensure that the security measures we implemented last year, are fortified, and in addition, we will go the extra mile to make certain that persons who are bent on making trouble or for any reason who want to mar Carnival that they will be dealt with, with the full extent of the law,” he said.
He also said that they will call on road users for their understanding because certain traffic restrictions will be put in place to allow the free flow of Carnival troupes on Parade Day, Last Lap and J ‘Ouvert and the various events.
“It is important to note that Carnival security is not only the business of the Police and Defense Force but all of us as responsible citizens,” he said.
Allister Williams said that National Carnival is a huge undertaking and applauded sponsors who have come on board and shown their support over the years, specifically Cable & Wireless.
He further outlined the number of participants for the various Carnival events as he says the event is well underway.
For the National Calypso Monarch competition, he said over 75 Calypsonians registered and they are now down to 16 semi-finalists that will compete on December 21 for their spot at the finals.
Fourteen female Calypsonians will compete tomorrow evening, December 20 for their spot in the Female Bacchanal competition.
The Junior Calypso competition originally had 18 participants but they are now down to 8 who will compete against the reigning Junior Calypso King, the Mighty Junior.
He also said that there were over 15 bands registered to participate in the various street activities, over nine mas bands, five J ‘Ouvert bands and over one hundred food and drinks vendors.
Williams said strengthening the relationship between t. Kitts and Nevis is what they are pleased to do as they have had participants from Nevis coming down and participating in National Carnival.
“And we’re looking to see how we can strengthen the relationship more and make it truly a St. Kitts-Nevis Carnival,” he said.
He also encouraged the general public to go and sign up and play mas, and if they can’t, to go to the various Carnival activities and really make Carnival in St. Kitts great.
“The stage is set and we are ready for one of the greatest Carnivals ever, the question left to answer is if you are ready, because Carnival is going to be great so don’t get left out,” he said.
