The National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) is giving assurances that all systems are in place for the 2014 Parade of the Bands.Yesterday, NCBA president David Lopez said everything has been finalised to make the two-day parade safe, enjoyable and the greatest show on earth.
Approximately 200 Carnival marshals have been trained and will work alongside the police and army to ensure law and order in the capital city. On Thursday, Lopez said, Carnival security gold commander Deputy Commissioner of Police Earl Gonzales held a final briefing with the Licensing Division, army, police and traffic wardens to ensure a smooth flow of all bands along the parade route.
On this year's Socadrome initiative, Lopez said five of the 13 large bands have opted not to follow the association's approved route and will instead enter the Socadrome at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain, to showcase their costumes. After leaving the complex, the five bands will rejoin the parade route up to Cipriani Boulevard, but will not be allowed to cross the stage at the Queen's Park Savannah.
"We have nothing to do with that. These five bands are non-competing. The rest of the bands will be coming to the Savannah as normal."Lopez said there are over 20 medium and 30 small bands competing. "We are asking the bands to co-operate with the marshals, police and route management," Lopez said, reiterating that bands that do not follow the association's approved route will be penalised.
He said city corporation health inspectors would be out in full force to examine how vendors prepare and serve meals to spectators, masqueraders and visitors on the streets, and all-inclusive bands would also be under a microscope with how food is handled and served."We have been working with the corporation to ensure proper food safety is practised."