Ahead of the opening of Carnival 2024 today, Thursday, the Police Force of St. Maarten KPSM issued a warning to revellers (see Tuesday newspaper) stressing the importance of safety and responsible conduct. It was neither the first nor likely the last similar advisory following incidents of violence during the pre-season Causeway Jump-up last month.
After that the Around-the-Town Jump-Up and other related events transpired without major issues, a trend that can hopefully be continued both in- and outside Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. Authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance approach for the protection of both participants and spectators.
The public need to understand that law enforcement is not targetting anybody, but rather making sure rules are obeyed and people behave in a civil manner. It’s all about being considerate and affording others the same kind of respect they would want to receive.
Regardless of what precautionary measures are taken, those who might be inclined to go out looking for trouble instead of having fun can probably find it. They ought to do themselves and everyone else a big favour by staying home.
The call to avoid selling bottled beverages during parades should not go unheeded. This is also in the best interest of the roadside vendors and their personnel.
Suffice to say that a problem-free carnival depends on the entire community. It’s a mass celebration that requires courtesy, patience and understanding.
