PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) reminded parents and the general public on Tuesday that there age restrictions will be implemented for Carnival Village for Carnival 2016 and beyond on adult-oriented nights.
The restrictions were to have been implemented last year, but were delayed a year so that everyone could be properly prepared.
No minors 14 years or younger will be allowed in Carnival Village for adult-oriented nights. They will be allowed entrance only on youth-oriented nights such as the Youth Extravaganza; Junior, Teen and Senior Pageants; $5 Village Night; and on parade days.
Minors ages 15-17 can attend all nights and must be in possession of a valid form of identification. Preferably, this age group should be accompanied by an adult as well. The age restrictions also apply to booth-holders and other Village stakeholders who sometimes bring their children to the Village.
SCDF also will continue to stress to booth-holders not to sell alcohol to minors and to continue policing each other in this regard. “Last year, the awareness for youth alcohol consumption was high, and booth-holders should be complimented for their vigilance. We need that to continue this year,” SCDF said.
As for the road events, SCDF said it could not assume the role of parents for hundreds of young people. However, it will support any effort by the Police Force to remove very young children from the jump-ups and to fine parents who actively participate in a jump-up carrying a baby or pushing one in a stroller behind a truck.
“Basically, our message is a very simple one: the majority of shows in Carnival Village are not for very young children. There are enough other events specifically geared towards them and that is what they should stick to. We can’t be parents and organisers of Carnival, but we do have a responsibility to do something about an issue that was getting out of hand. We urge parents to do what’s best for their children,” SCDF said.
