Fire Service Urges Stricter Safety Measures for Carnival and Mass Events

The Saint Lucia Fire Service is calling on event organisers, promoters and venue managers to place public safety at the forefront of planning, warning that recent incidents of disorder at public events demonstrate the urgent need for stronger preventative measures.

Assistant Divisional Officer in the Fire Prevention Unit, Owen Cazaubon, said the Fire Service is reminding organisers of their responsibility to comply with all approved life safety protocols and the conditions issued by the relevant authorities for hosting mass gatherings.

“The Saint Lucia Fire Service wishes to remind all event organisers, promoters and venue managers of the responsibility to ensure adherence to approved life safety protocols and the conditions issued by the relevant agencies for the hosting of mass crowd activities,” Cazaubon said.

He noted that recent events, both on land and at sea, have seen “instances of disorderly conduct, including altercations and other unsafe practices”, warning that such behaviour has the potential to place patrons and staff at risk.

“Such occurrences are of serious concern and highlight the need for stronger preventative planning and on-site safety management,” he stated.

With Saint Lucia attracting increasing numbers of visitors for entertainment and cultural activities, particularly during the Carnival season, Cazaubon stressed that maintaining high safety standards is essential to protecting both lives and the country’s reputation.

“As Saint Lucia continues to attract a growing international audience to its entertainment and cultural activities, particularly during the Carnival season, it is imperative that a consistent and a high standard of safety be maintained at all times,” he said.

“The reputation of our events, as well as the safety and well-being of all attendees, depends heavily on this commitment.” He added

Cazaubon cautioned organisers against treating safety as an afterthought, insisting that comprehensive planning should begin long before an event takes place.

“Event safety must never be treated as an afterthought or addressed retrospectively. Instead, it must be integrated into the planning process from the onset with clear risk assessment, adequate crowd management measures, emergency preparedness plans and full compliance with fire and life safety requirements,” he said.

While recognising that public events are intended to promote recreation, enjoyment and cultural expression, the Fire Service official urged organisers to make safety their highest priority.

“Organisers are strongly urged to place safety at the highest priority in all aspects of planning and execution,” Cazaubon emphasized.

He also appealed for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that entertainment does not come at the expense of public safety.

“The Saint Lucia Fire Service therefore calls on all stakeholders to foster a culture of safety, responsibility and cooperation, ensuring that entertainment and public enjoyment are not achieved at the expense of public safety.”

Cazaubon concluded by emphasising that successful public events depend on careful preparation and collective responsibility.

“Through proper planning, vigilance and shared responsibility, we can continue to deliver safe, successful and enjoyable events for all.”

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