Caution should not be thrown to the wind

06.JUL.07

As we begin the carnival weekend which celebrates the power of culture, the spirit of fun and 30 years in the July sun, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council encourages all carnival revelers and those who will be associated with carnival in any way to promote a carnival culture of clean fun. Clean fun is based on respect for self and for others. It also expresses the noble values of our culture.{{more}}

After 30 years in the July sun, carnival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has defined itself as one of our premium cultural products. It attracts visitors from all over the world. It brings out the young and the old in a great national spirit of fun and togetherness. It brings out the talent in our artists, our entertainers, and organizers. The humour, music, creativity and colour of carnival all go together to give expression to our culture.

During carnival our culture of fun is at its peak. Fun, however, should never be at the expense of other people’s integrity, good name. Nor should it exploit or abuse the vulnerability and innocence of others. Carnival fun ought to be clean fun. Clean fun respects the other person.

As a Christian Council we encourage all the citizens of our nation to do everything during the carnival days in moderation avoiding wild and irresponsible behaviour in matters of alcohol, vulgar language, any form of violence, sexual misconduct and other sinful behaviour. Carnival is not a time for throwing caution to the wind or giving oneself the license to do whatever one wishes.

As human beings we need to be constantly vigilant in safeguarding our respect for self and others. We also need to avoid self-indulgence and to maintain self-control, avoiding excesses especially in matters that can be detrimental to our own welfare and the welfare of others.

We need to respect our environment as well as private property therefore clean fun means a clean environment. Carnival is not a time for defacing our villages, towns or city with vulgarities, graffiti, or the irresponsible disposal of garbage. Having a good time at carnival should never be at the expense of our deepest values and moral standards. By acting responsibly we can have clean fun and walk straight when the carnival is over.

As pastors we are concerned about our culture and the role it plays in our formation, development and progress as a people. The culture of fun and creativity must ennoble rather than dehumanize us. We do not have to imitate false values that cheapen our culture. We look forward to a violence free carnival. Have fun! Let it be clean fun! Enjoy your carnival.

Bishop Robert Rivas, President
Major Henry king, Vice President
Rev. Victor Job
Bishop Leopold Friday