(Commonwealth_ The 2024 Spicemas Carnival in Grenada has come to a close, leaving a mixed aftermath. The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has expressed concern over a significant rise in reported criminal offenses during this year’s festivities compared to the previous year. In its post-Carnival briefing, the RGPF revealed that 37 incidents were reported during Spicemas 2024, nearly doubling the 19 incidents reported in 2023. This marks an increase of 18 reported crimes, indicating a troubling trend during the carnival season.
The breakdown of the reported offenses shows a predominance of property crimes, which accounted for 51.35 percent of the total incidents. Harm offenses, which include acts of physical violence such as assaults and stabbings, made up 32.43 percent of the total, while sexual offenses represented 16.21 percent. The rise in these crimes has prompted concerns from both the police and the wider public about the need for enhanced safety measures during the carnival in future years.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred during the J’ouvert celebrations in St. George’s, where one shooting and one stabbing were reported. The police launched an investigation into the shooting, which led to the confiscation of a firearm and three rounds of ammunition. A suspect, 24-year-old Jaleel Anthony Thomas from Black Bay in St. John, was subsequently arrested and charged with several serious offenses. Thomas faces three counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with intent to cause injury, possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm, and causing public terror. These charges reflect the severity of the incident and highlight the potential dangers of carrying weapons during large public events.
In addition to the shooting, a stabbing incident was reported during the Sauteurs J’ouvert. Following investigations, 20-year-old Loneil Tannis, an unemployed resident of Tivoli in St. Andrew, was arrested and charged with causing dangerous harm. The arrest of Tannis underscores the proactive steps taken by the RGPF to respond swiftly to violent offenses during the carnival period.
The RGPF also provided statistics on vehicular accidents that occurred during the carnival period. Between Friday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 13, 2024, there were 61 vehicular accidents, including one of a serious nature. Although the number of accidents decreased slightly from the 63 reported during the corresponding period in 2023, with one serious incident in both years, the frequency of such accidents during the festivities remains a cause for concern. Carnival celebrations often see an influx of people on the roads, leading to increased traffic and a higher risk of accidents.
Despite these challenges, the RGPF commended its officers for their vigilance and effectiveness throughout the carnival period. The police force was able to resolve several altercations before they escalated into more serious incidents. Officers also confiscated a significant number of offensive weapons, including a firearm, cutlasses, knives, and scissors. These confiscations likely helped prevent further violence and injuries during the carnival.
The RGPF’s efforts to maintain order during Spicemas 2024 were evident, but the increase in reported incidents signals the need for continued focus on public safety. While property crimes, harm offenses, and sexual offenses have all risen, the proactive actions of the police in resolving conflicts and confiscating dangerous weapons contributed to a safer environment than might have been expected given the circumstances.
Looking ahead, the rise in crime during Spicemas 2024 will likely prompt discussions among local authorities, event organizers, and law enforcement on how to better safeguard future celebrations. While the carnival remains an essential cultural event for Grenada, ensuring that it can be enjoyed safely and securely will be a priority for the coming years.
