At a press conference held on June 26, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) laid out its security plans and made clear that disruptive behaviour during the festivities will not be tolerated.

Inspector Lucius Small, Head of the Special Services Unit (SSU), addressed the public with what he described as a message of “tough love.”

“We have put in place measures to heighten our patrols in various communities and hotspots. We are going to apply more pressure on persons who continue to disobey the law of this land. Be careful. Know your place and allow citizens of this country to enjoy what is theirs,” said Small.

He warned those who may be planning to disrupt Carnival events or create public fear that the SSU will be fully mobilised and visible throughout the season. “We will go all out to do our best to save this country from the hooligans out there,” he added.

Small noted that the SSU has been preparing extensively in the lead-up to Carnival, conducting internal and external training sessions to ensure officers are fully equipped to handle any threats.

“We continue to train our officers and other units in the police force. We also provide support to other departments during operations, which have so far proven to be successful,” he said.

While acknowledging that Carnival is a time for celebration and cultural expression, Inspector Small made it clear that the public should expect to encounter more police presence and tighter enforcement measures. He advised revellers to remain in their designated bands and adhere to guidelines.

“There are times that you will be disrupted in your movements, because we will be at all ends and all corners of this country,” he said.

Carnival organisers have announced that the usual curfew will be extended to accommodate more festivities after sunset, but the police maintain that this extended window is not an excuse for disorderly conduct.