The Government of Dominica has extended the Carnival hours on Carnival Monday (March 3).
Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie made the announcement during a press conference held on Friday.
“I will report that the government of Dominica has extended the Carnival hours on day one, that is on Monday the 3rd of March 2025 by one hour,” he revealed, “Therefore, Carnival will be celebrated from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Monday 3rd March, 2025. And from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.”
Valerie also implores everyone to comply with the orders which will be circulated islandwide.
“Carnival 2025 is governed by a Carnival order issued by the Honourable Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs in keeping with the Peace Preservation Act chapter 15:04,” Valerie said. “The order makes provisions for the conduct and management of the Carnival and to regulate the proper behaviour of persons and also the preservation of the peace.”
He made it clear that this is not applicable only to revelers in Roseau.“Section 5 :1 of the order mandates the prohibition of noisy instruments in a public place before 4:00 AM and after 11:00 PM on Monday, March 3, 2025, and before 8:00 AM and after 10:00 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025,” he explained.
He said revelers who intend to wear masks must have registered with the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) and have obtained a registration number tag which must be displayed visibly to everyone.
“Notwithstanding, no person should wear a mask before 8:00 AM and after 6:00 PM on Carnival days, ”Valerie stated.
He reminded the public that it shall be an offence for anyone to carry a lighter torch or be armed with any weapon.
“Firearms, cutlasses, knives, ice [pick], glass bottles, all of these are not to be permitted in the band,” he warned. “It is an offence to have any of these in the band. And if the police find someone carrying these weapons they will be arrested.”
He continued, “It is an offence also to discharge or let off or assist in discharging or letting off any fireworks.”
Valerie told Carnival organizers that they must adhere strictly to the approved routes for Carnival Street Jump-up in the City of Roseau, town of Portsmouth, and villages islandwide.
“We have once again partnered with DIGICEL and DOMLEC to install cameras along the Carnival routes and other strategic areas in the City of Roseau,” Valerie noted.
Furthermore, he encouraged revelers to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
“I urge you to be responsible and act responsibly,” he urged. “Anyone who infringes or commits any offence during the Carnival will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
to extend the celebrations at a time when there is an apparent escalation in violent crimes notably gun violence, certainly isn’t a very prudent move Mr Valerie. your officers will certainly be overworked, violence or no violence.
The Chief looks sharp! Congrats to the new generation of leadership in our various institutions. Just a minor observation…As I understand the relevant protocol is that usually on ceremonial occasions the cover or head dress may be worn indoors…Otherwise etiquette requires the headdress be removed inside of public buildings. I’ve observed past chiefs from Darroux and others in-between through to Carbon in recent times observing the practice of taking off their head dress for these press briefings held indoors, … not sure if these “old fashioned” little things still obtain but maintaining them can serve as a metaphor for highest level of professionalism and discipline expected of the rank and file.