Minors threaten the survival of Bagga Fish Fest – organisers

The last thing that the Bagga Fish Fest Committee wants to do is shut down the event, but with the disturbing number of children who are present at Fish Fest drinking alcohol, begging adults for money, and roaming the streets, the committee feels like the quality of the event is being threatened and the safety of the children compromised.

President of the Bagga Fish Fest Committee, Zenna Lewis explained to SEARCHLIGHT that her team became responsible for the Bagga Fish Fest almost two years ago. Though the conduct of children has been a big issue at the event since day one, she said their behaviour these days has become overbearing.

“A lot of adults have come to me and tell me that they are uncomfortable being in the space because of the amount of children that are present, not even present- that are on the street, unsupervised, drinking, partying and are on the street at these late hours,” and begging adults for money.

Lewis said that adults don’t want to party with children, and the few who want to do so need to be dealt with.

“So it’s a lose-lose situation, because if we do shut down Fish Fest, Fish Fest is a financial income for so many people in the community.”

Lewis told SEARCHLIGHT that Fish Fest is not just a party, ninety per cent of the profit goes right back into the community.

“We sponsor children to go back to school,” she said, adding that schools are also being sponsored to host events.

“This is a lot of people’s livelihoods because the government cannot employ everybody. A lot of people get employed by just cleaning up the park after, preparing the event, setting up tents,” she said, adding that some people’s monthly income is derived from Fish Fest.

She added that sometimes the parents leave the children at the event, go home and then the children leave the event whenever they feel like.

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