The police force in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday said it “strongly condemns the irresponsible behaviour” of some patrons at the Ragga Soca and Power Soca Monarch (“Lit and Ready”) shows at Victoria Park on Saturday, July 2, 2022 – for throwing glass bottles, insecticide aerosol bottles and other projectiles into the air which resulted in several persons receiving injuries.
The show, which began Saturday night, ended shortly before 6 a.m. on Sunday and a number of persons threw items into the air while partying as patrons awaited the announcement of the results of the competition.
In a statement Sunday evening, police said some patrons were engaged in using aerosol bottles insecticide canisters as lighters, which also caused injury to other people.
“This is a dangerous practice and should stop immediately.”
The police reminded event organisers, operators of bars, and all patrons attending shows during the Carnival season that Regulation 3 “No Bottle Policy” is still in effect.
This policy states among other things, that a person shall not sell beverages in glass bottles or glass containers, whether open or sealed; consume any beverage in a glass bottle or glass container; or possess or carry a glass bottle or glass container in the area.
A person who fails to comply with the prohibition of regulation 3 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not exceeding EC$500.
“As the 2022 Carnival activities wind down, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force advises everyone to act responsibly, look out for the safety of others, observe the No Bottle Policy, and desist from the dangerous practice of using Baygon Aerosol bottles as lighters.
“With your help and cooperation, Vincy Mass 2022 can be one of the safest events in the Caribbean,” the statement said.