19 hours ago
7
Senior Reporter
The Government is warning Tribe masqueraders to leave their sex toys at home this Carnival, or face possible jail time for serious indecency.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge gave the advice yesterday, warning masqueraders the state is ready to make an example of them if they are caught using adult sex toys or devices on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
During a media conference at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday, Sturge said, “I know that one band has provided their masquerades with some toys. We ask that you leave the toys and the devices at home and you can use them in the quiet of your home. Please do not use them in any public space. If you are caught, because there is CCTV, there is private cameras from people’s buildings, there is an abundance of cellphones, if you are caught, you will be made an example of.”
The minister also warned the public that they can also be charged for other lewd acts.
He added, “If you are caught copulating in public, you will also be made an example of. There are laws to deal with that. Whether it’s copulating or engaging in acts of serious indecency, you will be taught a very hard lesson. The courts are ready for that.”
Under Section 51 of the Summary Offences Act, engaging in “indecent, lewd, or insulting” acts in a public place or any place visible to the public, such as a street, highway, or beach, can lead to fines of $200 to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to two months.
Under Section 46 of the Summary Offences Act, “obscene exposure of person” classifies an individual as a “rogue and vagabond.” This has an imprisonment of up to two months for a first offence. Repeat offenders can face up to six months or be classified as an “incorrigible rogue.”
And when it comes to serious indecency, the law states that if the act is more explicit and can fall under the Sexual Offences Act, it has a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment.
As Sturge cautioned citizens to behave themselves, he also reminded them that there are other consequences.
Sturge said, “Keep in mind a box of condoms is far cheaper than a box of pampers and a box of pampers might be the least of your worries because you might have something that might stay with you for life, something debilitating.”
Days ago, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon sounded the alarm after mas band Tribe gifted their female masqueraders an adult sex toy in their goodie bags, saying the band had “gone too far.”
The marketing tactic has since received mixed views, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urging masqueraders not to embarrass themselves by using such devices during the revelry.
Yesterday, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin echoed similar sentiments, warning citizens to be responsible for Carnival.
Benjamin said, “I was raised by a reverend, my mother is a reverend pastor and everyone has to be responsible for their actions. Given that Tribe would have given that facility, that does not mean you have to utilise it… I am the Minister of Culture, I do not partake in alcohol beverages, and I am out in parties every night, so because you have received something does not mean that you have to use it. We are all responsible adults.”
Attempts to contact Father Gordon were futile yesterday.
Also contacted, Father David Khan also urged masqueraders conduct themselves properly.
“There are certain things that should not be made public because people are free to do what they want in their private lives, in their private spaces but there are certain things not to, that’s part of public decency. There is a time and place for everything,” Father Khan said.
Guardian Media also reached out to Tribe’s managing director and co-founder Dean Ackin yesterday but got no response.
Meanwhile, Diego Martin West MP Hans des Vignes believes the use of a sex toy should be a personal choice, criticising the Government for being out of touch.
He said, “The fact that the minister would feel the need to say this further highlights how out of touch this Government is. For years, prophylactics have been in “goodie bags” and there was no need for things like this to be said. We big and have sense.”
“As MP Imbert stated, this is a marketing ploy by a mas band and yes the church has a role to play in society and upholding certain principles. However, this is a matter of personal choice. Adults are fully capable of deciding what they accept, what they use, and what they discard. We have far more pressing national issues demanding urgent attention. Let us focus our energy where it truly belongs.”
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