The Savannah is considered the mecca of carnival, and it is where the majority of official events, which this year fall on 20 and 21 February, are held.

Tens of thousands of masqueraders, entertainers and spectators are expected to join in the revelry, and the rising level of crime is causing major concern.

With 2023 off to a bloody start after police recorded at least 85 homicides as of 17 February, veteran Soca music artist Ronnie McIntosh is leaving nothing to chance.

Mr. McIntosh and his wife, Caroline, lead the eponymous Ronnie and Caro ‘mas’ band. Parades by ‘mas’ [short for masquerade] bands and their costumed revelers make up the beating heart of carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.

But with dancers and spectators expected to pack the area as the celebrations return in full after two years of ‘COVID’ restrictions, keeping everyone safe has become part of Mr. McIntosh’s duties.

He has organised at least 100 officers to guard the more than 1,000 revelers who have registered to join his band this year.

“Who I’m responsible for, which are Ronnie and Caro masqueraders, when they’re in my zone, I will make sure that we do our job and make sure we’re safe,” Mr. McIntosh explains.

And it is not just the security guards hired by Mr. McIntosh who will be on duty.

Police officials say officers have been called out from holiday leave to help secure carnival activities. Over 300 soldiers will provide additional support.

“We will be there, out and about, on foot, mobile, aerial patrols, on the sea,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Collis Hazel said at a news briefing.

The CEO for Trinidad Tourism, Carla Cupid says the police service has been “a valuable partner” in the tourism board’s efforts to promote Trinidad as a destination for overseas visitors.

Ms. Cupid says visitor numbers have not been affected by the crime wave, and are up this year, compared to 2020, the last year the carnival was held in full before ‘COVID’ restrictions kicked in. Some hotels were completely booked up before and during carnival, she said.

“Generally, there are very few crimes against visitors,” she says.

Dane Durham, who sells drinks at a seasonal stall at the Savannah, is also keen to tell visitors that a few bad apples should not be allowed to put a dampener on carnival.
“The crime has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago; it has to do with the individuals who commit the crimes,” he argues. “Trinidad is a beautiful place. We love people; we love to entertain.” (BBC)