The Head of the Traffic Department of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) said that the police will be deployed in full strength, with support from members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), in order to implement the Traffic Management Plan throughout this Carnival.
Speaking on OBSERVER AM yesterday, Superintendent Elson Quammie said that due to various challenges regarding the late arrival of patrons, the traffic department has devised a strategy that involves placing cones and barricades in specific areas.
“We do not parade in the city of St John’s; however, we still observe patrons driving around to watch the events, which unnecessarily congests the traffic,” he remarked.
Superintendent Quammie said that motorists who are not participating in Carnival should refrain from coming merely to observe, as this adds pressure to the road network. He also discussed the upcoming event, J’ouvert, scheduled for Monday, August 4th in St John’s.
“We typically commence at the roundabout on Independence Drive, featuring jam bands, steel bands, and other smaller bands. Consequently, the route for the jam bands during Monday morning’s J’ouvert, will begin at 3am and conclude at 10am.
“The route for the jam bands will start at the roundabout near Government House and proceed southward onto Independence Drive,” he elaborated.
He noted that last year, the route went directly across to Robinson Service Station and then onto All Saints Road. “This year, that has been altered; they will now turn right onto Vivian Richards Street, continuing all the way down to Market Street, right onto Market Street and proceed onto Redcliffe Street,” he added.
Superintendent Quammie said that the parade will then move onto Thames Street, make a right onto High Street, and continue up to Independence Drive, maintaining this route until 10am.
The small bands and the steel bands will depart from the same roundabout and head south onto Independence Drive. However, they will take a right turn onto Redcliffe Street, then another right onto Market Street, proceeding towards High Street to the top of Independence Drive, where they will circulate until 10am,” he added.
Superintendent Quammie said that ADBF personnel will be present during the J’ouvert and Last Lap festivities to provide support, along with additional security personnel. He urged individuals to exercise caution when near the trucks. “There are hundreds, sometimes thousands, gathered around these trucks, and if necessary, make it your priority to push yourself to save a life; we expect you to do so. However, we will be present to prevent any such incidents from occurring,” he added.
Meanwhile, the parade on Monday afternoon will commence at 2pm, and there are three primary judging points.
The first judging point will be located at Parliament Drive, near the High Court; the second at the top of Independence Drive at the junction of Redcliffe Street; and the third judging point will be at the junction of Independence Drive and High Street, near the Antigua Public Utilities Authority Head Office.
