Senior Reporter
kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
With preparations in place for the grand spectacle of Carnival Monday and Tuesday, San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris is encouraging revellers to experience J’Ouvert in the southern city.
Speaking at the Kiddies Carnival yesterday, Parris announced that San Fernando, ike Port-of-Spain, would be implementing a glass bottle ban during the celebrations.
“San Fernando, first and foremost, is the safer Carnival. If you love J’Ouvert, San Fernando is the place to be. Our J’Ouvert experience is like no other. People play J’Ouvert in Port of Spain, but that experience cannot compare to San Fernando. So, we are inviting everyone to come, try J’Ouvert, and stay for the mas,” he said
To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, the San Fernando City Corporation has requested additional security personnel. Parris expressed confidence that the extra manpower, including officers from the Municipal Police and the various Police Service branches, would be available for Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
He also assured that emergency vehicles would have unimpeded access to and from the San Fernando General Hospital, with bands required to lower their music volume when passing the area.
“I spoke with Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Mystar this morning, and all security measures appear to be in place,” Parris said. “I want to thank the TTPS, especially Mr Mystar. Everything looks set, and I am truly impressed by their work over the past few months. This level of preparation did not happen overnight—it took months of planning, and I congratulate them on a job well done.”
A vibrant Kiddies Carnival
Despite brief showers, 22 junior bands participated in yesterday’s Kiddies Carnival parade, which started at Circular Road, Mon Repos, and ended at Skinner Park. The vibrant display of costumes reflected a notable increase in participation compared to last year.
To accommodate the growth, organisers coordinated a system where one music truck accompanied two bands.
Parris acknowledged that in previous years, participation in San Fernando’s Carnival had declined, attributing this to various factors, including challenges in festival management. However, he assured that this year marked a turning point as the committee took a hands-on approach, basing the Carnival office within his workspace to closely monitor operations.
“This is a turning point for San Fernando’s Carnival. Someone needed to take charge, understand the issues affecting masqueraders, and address the obstacles preventing the festival from growing as it should,” he said
He highlighted the success of San Fernando-based bands, such as Sparks and Associations, which have shown remarkable growth in just their second year.
Parade routes and schedule
The route for J’Ouvert, as well as Monday and Tuesday’s Parade of the Bands, will be the same. Bands will start at Circular Road, and proceed onto Royal Road, Coffee Street, and Cipero Street before entering the Rienzi Kirton Highway, where judging will take place at the Southern Academy for Performing Arts. The parade will continue along Independence Avenue, onto Chancery Lane, High Street, and end at Library Corner. Midnight mas will follow most of this route but will also include Harris Promenade.
The schedule is as follows:
J’Ouvert: 4 am – 11am
Monday Parade of the Bands: 1–6 pm
Midnight Mas: 7 pm – Midnight
Tuesday Parade of the Bands: Noon onwards