By John Denny Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) ” The holiday season in St Kitts has an added reason to party: Carnival. From Dec. 18 to Jan. 2, the full range of Caribbean Carnival will be experienced under the theme, “Nuff rhthym. Plenty Lime Carnival 2008/2009.” As usual, safety is a big concern at the big party that is Carnival. The Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police has issued the rules for the upcoming celebration: 1. No weapons of any type will be permitted in the bands. (Sticks, knives, machetes, etc.) 2. No glass bottles or other glass containers will be allowed. Vendors will be required to sell their drinks from plastic cups. 3. Members of the public will not be allowed to wear camouflage uniform or any clothing similar in appearance to that used by the Security Forces. 4. Persons and vehicles entering Basseterre will be subject to search by the Security Forces. 5. Violence will not be tolerated; persons behaving disorderly or carrying weapons will be arrested and may be denied bail. 6. The bands will be confined to the following route: Fort Street, Church Street, Lr. College Street, Bay Road, Cayon Street, West Independence Square St. 7. Jouvert activities will climax at 12:00 midday. 8. Bands will not be permitted to jam outside the prescribed route, ie they will not be allowed to jam to their respective band houses. “Members of the Police and Defense Forces will be vigilant and will act decisively to ensure that the carnival festivities are safe for all,” an official announcement stated. “We urge your cooperation and understanding.” Authorities are offering the following guidelines to improve business security during Carnival: As much as possible, try and have patrons pay for orders at the business place and not collect cash during deliveries. “Ensure that proper measures are put in place to check for counterfeit currency. “Avoid having entrance and exit points to the business place blocked by loiterers. “Employ private security to assist with in store activities. “As much as possible, avoid accepting checks as payment for goods or services. “Do not display or keep large sums on money at your place of business. “If possible, install cameras or security alarms at your business place.
