In an explanation to their patrons, the organizers outlined police disapproval as the reason the event was canceled. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Public Relations Office has also issued a statement, reminding organizers to adhere to the laws of Saint Lucia when planning activities.
“To Host a Mass Crowd event, event organizers are legally bound to engage various agencies, and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force [RSLPF] is one of many. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s role is to approve the Traffic Management Plan, the authorization of uniformed Police Officers to perform Off-Duty Employment (Special Duty), and the approval or denial of applications to use Loudspeakers,” the statement reads. The organizers were informed in a letter written to them on August 18th, 2023 that, “in keeping with the provisions of Section 550 (5) of the Criminal Code of Saint Lucia, your application for loudspeaker permit cannot be approved.”
The RSLPF says they act only in accordance with existing laws. “The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, in recent times, has facilitated organizers who have had similar experiences, having engaged in respectful and courteous dialogue. If there is a need for legislative change, the organisation welcomes dialogue [with organisers, lawmakers and other interest groups], but until such time, we will continue to be governed by existing legislation…The RSLPF urges event organizers to ensure that their applications do not conflict with Saint Lucia's Laws, to ensure that the responses from the organisation are favourable to them.”
SNO can confirm that the application to the RSLPF was dated July 27th, 2023 however upon further investigation, supporting documents required for final approval were stamped and approved by the National Emergency Management Organisation [NEMO] on 17th August and dispatched by the promoter to the Police Headquarters on August 17th, 2023 also. The police responded to the completed application on August 18th, 2023, less than 24 hours later upon receipt of the full application with relevant documents.
Supporting documents required for consideration and final approval by the RSLPF include a mass casualty plan, insurance, clearance letter from Inland Revenue, solid waste management plan, and ECCO license.
This application denial follows a busy carnival season.