ST. LUCIA – The record increase in revellers for Carnival 2008 has resulted in a review of the carnival route. The new route was approved after months of dialogue between the Cultural Development Foundation, the Traffic Department and the Carnival Bands Association.
First Vice President of the Carnival Bands Association Thaddeus Antoine said the original route was too short and did allow for a full party atmosphere.
“We, as a bands association, are particularly happy that our concerns were taken into consideration. The police have given us some guidance and the revellers are very elated, which makes us very happy about the situation. It allows for a mass that is seen by more persons; it allows for a route, where you can see the bands spread out on the road, as oppose to being all choc-co-bloc in the city,” Antione said
A Carnival Band on Parade
The implications of the new route on the motoring public were also considered. The police have assured measures will be taken to minimize the inconvenience.
“They start at the Choc roundabout, where the bands will be paraded down the highway using the southbound lane towards Castries, until it reaches Jeremie Street. They will take a left turn onto Jeremie Street and a right turn onto Chisel Street. The will then proceed along Chisel Street up to Micoud Street, where they make a right turn and travel along Micoud Street all the way to Bridge Street. From Bridge Street they take another right turn onto Jeremie Street and then take a left onto the John Compton Highway,” said Assistant Superintendent for Traffic Milton Desir.
The full cooperation of the motoring public, especially drivers en route to Castries from Gros-Islet will be needed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. This is because traffic heading to Castries from Gros-Islet, will be diverted through Corinth.
“Having turned left into Corinth, they proceed along that route through to Grand Riviere; the same alternative route that was being used during the road rehabilitation works on the highway. From Grande Riviere through to Union /Balata and then onto Morne-Du-Don. At Morne Du Don/Agard you can go down the Morne Du Don Hill or through Carilee. The drivers are aware of this route because it is being used on a daily basis.
This diversion, he said, could result in heavy traffic, and so one-way traffic from the junction near the Morne Du Don primary school down to the city, will be administered. Additionally only one way access through La Pansee will be allowed.
The Carnival parade will be held on Monday July 21st and Tuesday 22nd. There are approximately twelve local bands this year which will be joined by ten French bands.
