Chair of the Street Activities Sub-Committee, Vincent Fough, told MiyVue.com that he understands that this is one of the occasions where revelers let loose, enjoy themselves and release some the year’s accumulated stress.

He urged however, that persons jam “responsibly”.

“Plans are going great so far. I had a meeting today where I had discussions with key persons and security so we already worked out all the points. I encourage everyone to come out and support Sugar Mas’. J’Ouvert is tomorrow morning, and I am encouraging everyone to take part. This year we have eight J’Ouvert Mas’ troupes and some have indicated that they have between 800-1000 persons in their troupes so it’s going to be great.

“While enjoying yourselves, however, let us remember to drink responsibly and leave the violence at home because if we do not conduct ourselves in a good manner and if we do not make our carnival great, how can we sell out carnival to the tourists? How can we encourage them to come and enjoy our carnival? We are not saying that persons should not have fun but you can have fun and still be responsible. Conduct yourself in a non-violent manner and if you drink, ensure that you don’t drive.”

Regarding preparations for the event, Fough indicated that his committee has worked hard to ensure that all J’Ouvert players are advised of the rules, regulations and code of conduct which must be adhered to.

He reminded that unlike previous years, the four judging points at which road march contending songs are to be judged, have been revealed to the public: one would be located at Development Bank, one at the top of Fort Street, one at National Bank on West Independence Square Street and the other at the old treasury. He also reminded that in order for a registered song to be considered for road march, it must be played at least twice at each judging point.

The j’Ouvert route, as outlined by Inspector Cromwell Henry of the Traffic Department is up Fort Street, left onto Cayon Street, down Church Street and onto the Bay Road or up Fort Street, right onto Cayon Street, down West Independence Square Street and onto the Bay Road and repeat the process.

The jam session, according to Fough, begins at 4:00 a.m. but judging for the road march competition begins at 5:00 a.m. and will last five hours.