Ban Arima Day J’Ouvert! - TnT Mirror.com

SCRAP Borough Day J’Ouvert celebrations!
This is the call from the police and businessmen in Arima following a number of bottle throwing and wounding incidents, which have now become part of the celebrations every year.

Last Saturday the police also seized two guns during the early morning Carnival-style celebration in the Borough of Arima.

However, there were no reports of any shooting incidents and major wounding reports.

Because of the violence associated with the “jump up” street celebration, revellers have been staying away.

And this year J’Ouvert was poorly attended in Arima, from a spectator’s point of view and even revellers.

J’Ouvert is alcohol, drugs, “wine and jam”, one businessman noted.

The Borough spend thousands of dollars to supply music for the free-for-all J’Ouvert celebration, which starts early in the morning through the streets of Arima.

In the past, J’Ouvert celebrations held in the four Boroughs -- Arima, San Fernando, Point Fortin and Chaguanas -- have been marred with violence.

Last year there were several wounding and shooting incidents at the Point Fortin Borough J’Ouvert Day celebrations.

It is time that Mayors of the Boroughs reconsider the street-like Carnival and instead spend the money on some other cultural aspect for the youths to take part that does not involves alcohol and drugs.