St. Thomas Gears Up for an Unforgettable Carnival Experience

As the St. Thomas Carnival approaches, a collective of key stakeholders recently convened with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety to share their meticulous preparations. The gathering included voices from the Division of Festivals, the Police Department, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, and the Department of Public Works—each playing a crucial role in the festival’s success.

Ian Turnbull, the Division of Festivals Director, emphasized the commitment to delivering a top-tier Carnival celebration that promises fun, safety, and impeccable organization. Following the conclusion of the Crucian Christmas Festival in February, his team has been laser-focused on fine-tuning the event’s elaborate arrangements.

In parallel, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) is set to intensify its oversight of commercial activities. Assistant Commissioner Horace Graham highlighted the department’s mission to thwart illicit sales, including underage and unauthorized alcohol transactions. By leveraging social media monitoring, the DLCA aims to intercept illegal alcohol production targeting the carnival-goers. Graham stressed the importance of adhering to strict licensing and labeling standards to mitigate health risks and legal infractions.

The Department of Health is not lagging behind, ensuring all food vendors meet health permit requirements and demonstrate food safety through negative tests for parasites. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion detailed plans for rigorous inspections of food stalls to enforce standards for safe food handling and compliance with health regulations.

Efficient waste management and recycling are also on the agenda, with the Waste Management Authority planning to set up facilities for the disposal of used cooking oil and other waste, ensuring the carnival’s environmental footprint is minimized.

The Department of Public Works is tackling logistics, from managing parking solutions to constructing viewing stands and announcing road closures. With parking arrangements detailed by Assistant Commissioner Reuben Jennings, safety and accessibility remain paramount, receiving reassurance from Assistant Commissioner of Police Mario Brooks on vehicle security within designated parking zones.

Senate President Novelle Francis expressed confidence in the robust planning, underscoring the importance of backup strategies. Concerns over pricing and crowd management were also addressed, with DLCA’s Graham advising attendees to compare prices due to the absence of fixed pricing regulations, and VIPD’s Brooks outlining comprehensive crowd control measures to prevent incidents.

The Carnival will launch with the Prince and Princess Show on April 13 and wrap up on May 5 with the debut Utopia Unity Concert featuring international music sensation Burna Boy, marking a festive period filled with culture, music, and unity.