75.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchives'Enjoy Yourself and Go Home Safe:' Police Outline Carnival Plans

'Enjoy Yourself and Go Home Safe:' Police Outline Carnival Plans

April 15, 2009 — While the police department is short-staffed, there will be no shortage of officers on duty for Carnival events, and VIPD staff will be augmented with peace officers from other departments to ensure public safety.
The V.I. Police Department outlined Wednesday the measures it will put in place during Carnival 2009. The officials went over the broad measures the department is taking to make Carnival safe and entertaining for revelers while allowing for traffic to flow as smoothly as possible around the parades, pageants and concerts. In addition, they provided tips for parents and spectators to remain safe during the celebration.
Hoping that police and the community will work hand in hand for a safe Carnival, Deputy Chief Dwayne DeGraff for St. Thomas-Water Island asked for the public's help by providing information to the police and upholding the law. Those who observe criminal activity may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
DeGraff made a special plea to those involved with violence and criminal activity.
"Please stop, put your weapons down," DeGraff said. "Let's formulate a truce."
DeGraff also requested that businesses stop selling pop-shot guns, knives and other weapons.
DeGraff's tips for a safe Carnival:
— Avoid traveling alone in dark areas;
— Come out in the daytime and walk the route — see what it looks like in the day;
— Drink responsibly and have a designated driver; and
— Don't carry large sums of money. Don't give a criminal the opportunity to make you a victim.
A special emphasis is being made so senior citizens are able to see parades from a special reviewing stand on Norre Gade. The stand will be roped off, and parking will be restricted to the other side of the street.
So that all may enjoy the sights along the parade route, police say that tents should not be set up where they will prevent others from seeing the spectacles.
"Erect the tent so that others can enjoy the parade," said Sgt. Barrington Thomas, VIPD coordinator for the Carnival Committee and the VIPD school security commander.
Glass bottles are also a safety hazard, and drinks should be consumed from plastic cups, Thomas said.
For students, Thomas cautioned that those who involved in any illegal activity would be brought before the court, where police will ask for a curfew limiting or preventing their participation in certain carnival activities, especially j'ouvert.
Tips for parents to keep their minors safe include a reminder that there is still a 10 p.m. curfew in effect for children under 16. Children under 12 must be under supervision at all times by a parent.
"If you cannot see your child, she is too far," said Sgt. Sherry-Ann Hughes, VIPD assistant coordinator to the Carnival Committee. Hughes is also commander of the VIPD Juvenile Bureau.
Methods for keeping younger children safe include timed communication between families, designated meeting spots, implementing the buddy system, coordinating clothing within families and limiting the amount of cash that kids carry, Hughes said. If a child should go missing, police must be notified immediately. Parents should have an updated picture of their child and it is a good idea for parents to pin a note inside their younger children's clothing with the child's name, parents' names and two contact numbers.
During j'ouvert no one will be permitted to carry bottles, according to Commander Melvin Venzen of the VIPD's Special Operations Bureau.
Bulky jackets, hoodies and sticks are also not permitted, Venzen said. In addition, no one will be allowed to wear masks or have their face covered. If arrested, the individual will be placed in a vehicle and not be allowed to participate further in the celebrations.
Band members are asked to assist by notifying the police over their public-address systems of scuffles and fights in the crowds around them.
Venzen noted that police will patrol the sheds at the upcoming horse races at Clinton Phipps Race track, looking for people smoking marijuana.
"If we catch you, we will arrest you," Venzen said.
Those coming into the race track can expect to be searched and have their vehicles searched.
"Come out to enjoy yourself and then go home safe," Venzen said.
In addition to certain road closures, which the department will later release in detail, parking areas will undergo some closures. The Fort Christian parking lot will be closed until May 12, and motorists are asked to use street parking and lots downtown.
There will be no parking on the eastern side of Hospital Gade, and no parking in front of the senior citizens' reviewing stand. Some parking will be permitted on the waterfront.
Roads around Lionel Roberts Stadium will be one way during stadium events.
Minors will not be allowed to operate the trucks during j'ouvert, and no one will be permitted to sit atop the speakers on the trucks.
During the horse races, there will be no parking on Nadir Road or Bovoni Road as far as Bovoni Center.
April is alcohol awareness month, said Sgt. Roselyn Jarvis, who commands the Traffic Investigation Bureau. Jarvis also urged motorists to report drunk drivers.
Those who have had too much to drink can access a shuttle service sponsored by Diageo USVI, Bellows International and the V.I. Taxi Commission. The Safe Rides Carnival 2009 service will require a voucher, which can be obtained April 27 at Bellows International or from police during j'ouvert, according to James Vaughn, Diageo's Trade Marketing Manager. For more information on the program, contact Bellows International at 340-774-1492.
Vendors who have not yet sought permits still have a few days to contact Cpl. Michelle Potter, VIPD coordinator to the Carnival committee for vendors, at 340-715-5548.
Carnival events are already underway with this past weekend's Prince and Princess Selection Show. For a full schedule of events, click here.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.