Carnival celebrations in Tunapuna are expected to be larger and more vibrant this year, following a recent meeting with stakeholders and Member of Parliament Roger Alexander.
Speaking with TTT News, Mr. Alexander said several concerns were raised during the discussions.
“Some issues that would have stemmed from time immemorial and we wanted everybody. We wanted inclusion into the Carnival in Tunapuna. So it required us to meet and have a conversation and now we would have stretched the area to accommodate everybody and not just one particular individual or a couple of individuals. So we want persons to come to Tunapuna, and back in the day, we used to walk the route of Tunapuna, all in the vicinity of the police station and all of that, and feel safe and security while we peruse the streets on Carnival day, Carnival morning.”
He is, however, assuring that those issues are being addressed.
“One of the concerns was security as usual, and also some of the persons wanted to have particular things placed in a particular area, but it must have been done with the consultation of law enforcement because when they consulted law enforcement, they would know where they can provide the type of resources that they can at a particular time or on a particular day. So that was one of the concerns. They were two of the concerns really: locations and security.”
Mr. Alexander believes this year’s Carnival in Tunapuna will be more accessible, creating an experience that a wide cross-section of the public can attend and enjoy.
“From all indications, that has been said and we are looking forward to a great Carnival in Tunapuna. It has been years that persons didn’t want to come to Tunapuna, but we can come now to Tunapuna and have a good time. We ask the young people and the elderly, while you’re out there having fun, drink wisely. Alright? And remember, you’re an individual, and there are other persons around, and for the mummies and daddies, your children are watching you.”