~ SCDF stresses again ~

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF), law enforcement, emergency services and Carnival support services once again are focussing their efforts on enforcing a policy that makes no compromises on safety and security for the upcoming Carnival season.

The parties mentioned met last week Friday to go over details for the Carnival season and to ensure that all are on the same page in terms of regulations and safety procedures. All other stakeholders, such as band leaders, booth holders and troupe leaders, will be apprised of the rules and regulations with regard to safety and security, in their respective meetings.

Among other things, discussions centred on band truck inspections, the mandatory availability of fire extinguishers on these trucks and in the booths, access for the Ambulance Department, outlining of the jump-up and parade routes, etc.

Represented at the meeting were the Fire Department, the Ambulance Department, the Ministry of VROMI, the entity responsible for the Festival Village Stichting Overheids Gebouwen St. Maarten SOG-SXM and SCDF board members. Police Force representatives could not be present on this particular day, but there will be a follow-up meeting.

"Basically we went over details that worked well for us in 2011 and discussed some things that could be improved upon for this year," SCDF President Stuart Johnson said. "We hope by now that everyone realises that we will not compromise on the safety and security of Carnival participants, as well as the general public.

"Regulations are not in place to be a nuisance to anyone, but to protect them. All of the services that met on Friday are on the same page in this regard and we look forward to the kind cooperation of all Carnival stakeholders again this year."