Grenada’s Carnival – Spicemas – has a reputation for being one of the safest carnivals in the region and the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) wants to keep it that way as it has adopted a zero tolerance approach to weapons.
With Carnival 2022 in Grenada, Assistant Commissioner of Police John Mitchell says there will be a huge display of police force over the next four days. With zero tolerance for guns, ACP Mitchell is encouraging young people to leave their classroom at home and not participate in violence.
The appeal was made during a press conference this morning.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Vannie Curwen on the topic of weapons explained that the RGPF has zero tolerance for knives, cleavers and screwdrivers during this time and urges people to leave these items at home during Spicema as if found with these items a person will be charged .
Carnival patrons have also been warned that no open flames, fireworks or harmful chemicals should be used in or around the events.
In relation to children, the Royal Grenada Police Force urges parents and guardians not to leave young and vulnerable children at home unattended. “This can result in fires, sexual assaults and missing children.”
The senior police officer says that the RGPF also observed the growing trend during the last carnival period, when young children participated in adult events. Police continue to ask parents not to allow young children to engage in adult programming with adult content and lyrics.
Another safety concern for RGPF is when people drink alcohol and then go swimming. ACP Mitchell says it has happened many times before where people drink and go to the beach and face the risk of drowning. He says there have been incidents in the past where people have drowned because of this.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Vannie Curwen spoke on the subject of property insurance. He says pickpocketing increases during this time and encourages people not to walk around with excessive amounts of cash at carnival shows.
Motorists are also advised not to leave valuables in their vehicles. If attending an event late, people are asked not to leave house keys under mattresses and inside flower pots, but instead leave their keys with a neighbor.
The senior police officer notes that during carnival moral values are lowered due to drinking and drug use, which can impair a person’s judgment and make them vulnerable to thieves.
Grenadians and visitors have been told to avoid getting drunk. The use of marijuana and cocaine is also discouraged as these substances are illegal in Grenada.
Spicemas which was launched on April 29 will peak on August 9 at midnight.
