The commendation was given by Head of the Security Team, Superintendent Ivor Blake who gave an exclusive interview with MiyVue.com.

Blake said his team consisted of members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force and members of private security firms in the Federation.

He explained that a number of carnival stakeholders expressed various concerns “given the security environment which prevailed” and as such, his team sought to implement a security plan which would seek to maintain a heightened level of security during the festivities. He noted that, for the most part, the objectives were met.

“Our objectives were to ensure that all the revelers, patrons, everybody enjoyed themselves and participate in a safe and secure environment and that stems from the shows at Sugar Mill in terms of parking and screen patrons, to the street activities. So I think we were very proactive leading up to the carnival to speak to the public about issues of safety and security, the issues of traffic flow etc and I think all in all, the celebrations, with a few exceptions, went very well.

“During the street jamming, with the exception of the final day, we had no major indicants at all and the security forces were on hand and alert to quell any disturbances that had the potential of disrupting the activities. From our point of view, we achieved most of our objectives; the public on a whole was very satisfied with the way things went. Of course, we had policies like no drinks should be served in glass bottles etc. We had full cooperation, with very few exceptions, from the public, the revelers and the different band leaders and hi-fi systems. They worked very closely with the security forces.”

Blake thanked the public for its cooperation during the festivities and also thanked his team members for their vigilance, noting that with the exception of a few incidents, the implemented plan was successfully executed.

“The just-concluded National Carnival Festivities, from the standpoint of security, I think it went very well…I would like to commend the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force, and some of private security companies that worked with us, as well as the marshals who worked so well on the streets to ensure that members of the public enjoy themselves around the bands in a safe manner. Their primary focus was to keep the revelers from the wheels of the tractors and again, this year, they did a really great job and I want to commend them.”