Lack of bathrooms and parking for the Crucian Christmas Festival was discussed at the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety on Tuesday, as well as “tremendous” alcohol consumption.
Senators at the hearing also received updates on numbers. Shamari Haynes, deputy commissioner at the Department of Tourism, Division of Festivals, said the division had received 28 registrations for booths at the Village and 19 registered Food Fair applicants. Also, eight troupes have registered for the adult parade, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 revelers. Haynes said the deadline for troupes to register is Friday, and the division expects to have the same number of troupes as last year — 22.
As for the children’s parade, only three troupes, with an estimated 1,000 revelers, have registered so far.
A number-changing tradition is the start of J’ouvert. It used to start at 4 a.m., but now it will begin at sunrise or about 6:30 a.m. Sen. Kenneth Gittens, who chaired the meeting, said, “Everyone will get to sleep a little longer.”
Police Commissioner Ray Martinez said it was “his call” to change the starting time, and it was to “safeguard members of the police department and the community.” In previous years in the territory, J’ouvert has been marred by violence. One senator said, “Some of our young folk drink a tremendous amount of alcohol before J’ouvert.”
Gittens asked Tourism to investigate furnishing more bathrooms because historically, lines at job johnnies have been “exceedingly long.” Hayes said that though the bathroom situation would be improved this year, he still did not believe it was enough. He said the beach bathrooms across the street from the Village entrance would be open.
Sen. Franklin Johnson said parking was going to be an issue this year. He suggested opening a field near the Paul E. Joseph Stadium site for parking. Deputy Commissioner Dodson James of Public Works said the location could not be used because it was a construction site.
The deputy commissioner testified that Public Works does not receive additional funds to cover the cost of preparing for the territory’s festivals. He said, “We have made requests in the past for additional funds to be included in our budget specifically for this, but our requests were denied.”
Sen. Angel Bolques noted the budget situation would add “financial constraints” to what Public Works does in preparation for the festival. Gittens had asked whether Public Works could do something concerning the broken sidewalks along the parade route and other areas where spectators would be walking and where grass and bushes were growing.
Martinez testified, “At the forefront of our operational plan is the deployment of the VIPD’s mobile command station, a state-of-the-art hub that once mobilized, connects, and serves as our onsite communications center.”
A spat arose between Sen. Franklin Johnson and Martinez. Matinez said he was not going to answer any question from Johnson until Johnson apologized for calling his police officers cowards. Johnson then said he would not participate in a hearing where a testifier would not answer questions. He left that section of the hearing. When he returned later in the day, Johnson said, “We have made a mistake in supporting this commissioner who cannot get the job done.”
Gittens cautioned everyone planning to attend the Christmas celebration “to enjoy everything in moderation.”
Sens. Angel Bolques Jr., Dwayne DeGraff, Alma Francis Heyliger, Novelle Francis Jr., Kenneth Gittens, Javan James, and Franklin Johnson attended Tuesday’s hearing.
