BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OVER the years during the Carnival season, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force ensures that security measures are in place for the prevention of criminal activities, the smooth flow of troupes and the protection of residents of and visitors to St. Kitts, especially during J’Ouvert Morning, Parades and Las’ Lap.
The Force also ensures that the routes used for these events are restricted to vehicular traffic, and this year is no different.
According to Head of the Traffic Department Superintendent Cromwell Henry, to “ensure the highest standard of safety and security in the bands during Carnival, but specifically on J’Ouvert Morning, the Security Forces will strictly enforce the following:
1. No glass bottles will be permitted in the bands and on the streets. Vendors serving drinks must therefore serve them in plastic containers;
2. No knives, machete, firearms (whether or not licenced) or other weapons, including stick, bats and other similar objects, will be permitted in the bands.
3. No camouflage or other uniform resembling the uniform worn by members of the Security Forces will be permitted to be worn by members of the public without the expressed written permission of the Commissioner of Police;
4. Disorderly conduct will not be tolerated by the Security Forces;
5. Persons coming into Basseterre may be subjected to random stops search by members of the Security Forces; and
6. Bands will not be permitted to jam outside the prescribed routes.
Superintendent Henry informed that Marshalls would also be employed to improve safety in the bands and ensure the smooth flow of the troupes, and that spectators are asked to remain on the sidewalks and leave an unobstructed path for the troupes.
“We urge your full cooperation with these Carnival Marshalls as they perform their safety functions,” he added and, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and all members of the Security Forces, extended best wishes for a safe and accident Carnival.
And to facilitate the smooth flow of troupes and bands during this year’s Carnival, Superintendent Henry has outlined the various routes and dates when they would be used.
He indicated that on J’Ouvert Morning, Wednesday (Dec. 26), parking would be restricted on the following streets that form the event’s route:
1. Fort Street;
2. Cayon Street between College Street and West Square Street;
3. Church Street;
4. Lower College Street;
5. The Bay Road between College Street and Adlam Street; and
6. West Square Street.
On December 31, January 1 and 2, parking will be restricted on the following streets that form the route for the Junior Carnival Parade and Float Competition, the Grand Carnival Parade and Last Lap, respectively:
1. Cayon Street from Wigley Avenue;
2. West Square Street;
3. South Square Street;
4. East Square Street;
5. Pond Road;
6. Sandown Road;
7. The Bay Road between Sandown Road and College Street;
8. Lower College Street;
9. Liverpool Row; and
10. Fort Street.
“These streets,” the Traffic Head said, “will also be closed to general vehicular traffic from 4:00 a.m. until J’Ouvert ends at 12 mid-day and from 11:00 a.m. until activities end on December 31, January 1 and 2, 2013.
He noted that traffic signs would be placed to indicate these restrictions and warned that violators would be towed and applicable fines and fees would be imposed.
Superintendent Henry is also calling on all to cooperate.
