Caption: Wayne Sturge

 

• Defence Minister Wayne Sturge warned Carnival revellers to avoid lewd behaviour on the road, including bringing or using sex toys in public, saying offenders will face charges and be “made an example of”.
• He urged responsible sexual behaviour, reminding masqueraders and spectators that CCTV and phone cameras make it easy to identify misconduct.
• Sturge also announced Cabinet-approved expansion of lifeguard services to additional beaches, with reserve lifeguards deployed for the long weekend and three new jet skis added for Mayaro rescue operations.

By Alicia Chamely

LEAVE your sex toys at home, says Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge, as he warned against public displays of lewd behaviour on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in the VIP Room of the Grandstand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, the Minister addressed the controversial sex toy, “The Rose”, reportedly given to female TRIBE masqueraders.

“I know that one band has provided their masqueraders with some toys. We ask that you leave the toys and the devices at home, and you can use them in the quietude of your home,” he said.

Sturge added, “Please do not use them in any public space. If you are caught—because there’s CCTV, private cameras from people’s buildings, and an abundance of cell phones—you will be made an example of.”

He further cautioned couples to keep bedroom activities off the road, saying, “Quite apart from the toys, I have seen over the last few years people in bands copulating in public. If you are caught copulating in public, you will also be made an example of.”

“Whether it’s copulating or engaging in acts of serious indecency, there are laws to deal with that. You will be taught a very hard lesson. The courts are ready for that,” he warned.

Sturge called on mas players and spectators to respect themselves and practise responsible sexual behaviour.

He said, “If I can borrow from Buju Banton: ‘Rude boy, don’t be silly.’”

Sturge added, “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 stays with you for life, something debilitating.”