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Contact:
Julita Peter
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A Carnival
Band on Parade |
Friday, 18 July 2008 – The record increase in revellers for Carnival
2008 has resulted in a review of the carnival route. The new route was approved
after months of dialogue between the Cultural Development Foundation, the
Traffic Department and the Carnival Bands Association.
First Vice President of the Carnival Bands Association Thaddeus Antoine said the
original route was too short and did allow for a full party atmosphere.
“We, as a bands association, are particularly happy that our concerns were taken
into consideration. The police have given us some guidance and the revellers are
very elated, which makes us very happy about the situation. It allows for a mass
that is seen by more persons; it allows for a route, where you can see the bands
spread out on the road, as oppose to being all choc-co-bloc in the city,”
Antione said
The implications of the new route on the motoring public were also considered.
The police have assured measures will be taken to minimize the inconvenience.
“They start at the Choc roundabout, where the bands will be paraded down the
highway using the southbound lane towards Castries, until it reaches Jeremie
Street. They will take a left turn onto Jeremie Street and a right turn onto
Chisel Street. The will then proceed along Chisel Street up to Micoud Street,
where they make a right turn and travel along Micoud Street all the way to
Bridge Street. From Bridge Street they take another right turn onto Jeremie
Street and then take a left onto the John Compton Highway,” said Assistant
Superintendent for Traffic Milton Desir.
The full cooperation of the motoring public, especially drivers en route to
Castries from Gros-Islet will be needed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. This is
because traffic heading to Castries from Gros-Islet, will be diverted through
Corinth.
“Having turned left into Corinth, they proceed along that route through to Grand
Riviere; the same alternative route that was being used during the road
rehabilitation works on the highway. From Grande Riviere through to Union
/Balata and then onto Morne-Du-Don. At Morne Du Don/Agard you can go down the
Morne Du Don Hill or through Carilee. The drivers are aware of this route
because it is being used on a daily basis.
This diversion, he said, could result in heavy traffic, and so one-way traffic
from the junction near the Morne Du Don primary school down to the city, will be
administered. Additionally only one way access through La Pansee will be
allowed.
The Carnival parade will be held on Monday July 21st and Tuesday 22nd. There are
approximately twelve local bands this year which will be joined by ten French
bands. All carnival-related enquires could be directed at
stluciacarnival@gmail.com.
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