Trinidad and Tobago Carnival to go ahead despite terror threats

Twin island nation Trinidad and Tobago will go ahead with its Carnival on Monday and Tuesday after eight people were arrested in connection with planned terror attacks to disrupt the event.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said at press conference on Sunday that the Carnival was safe and masqueraders, revellers and tourists alike should go out and have fun, reports Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams confirmed that eight people had been arrested and the police have put in place measures including stop and search exercises, breathalyzer testing, speed guns and police patrols in all communities to check security.

The level and kind of threat were not disclosed when the first arrests were made last Thursday. Williams noted that they are investigating the suspects in relation to possession of firearms.

The United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other countries had advised their citizens to be vigilant after the news broke about the alleged terror attack.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is the biggest and most popular in the Caribbean. It is held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and thousands of people participate in colorful costumes and exuberant celebrations.

The Carnival was developed by the French in 1783 and the Africans started participating in the festivities from 1833 after the Emancipation Bill was passed.