It has always been true that while many people participate in Carnival, several others choose not to.

News that over 55,000 residents have flown out of the country to be somewhere else is, however, a striking development. It’s an indication that more and more people are reluctant to participate in the festivities or to even remain on the sidelines.

Carnival is a joyful expression of the people but it’s about more than merriment. Since its inception in the Caribbean in the time of slavery it has been shaped by tensions within the society and influences from outside.

An integral part of life in Trinidad and Tobago, it has always reflected what is going on in the society. The upsurge in crime is one of the factors influencing the great dispersion at this time.

While it is not the first time that violence is having an effect on the festivities, this time Carnival elements are not to blame for the crime. It is as if Carnival has become caught up in the crime wave – like someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Many also complain about “what Carnival has become”, expressing disgust at the indecency they see. Change in the ways of the society also means change in Carnival: rapid change in society means less subtle change in Carnival.

This year’s Carnival sees a significant change in the way the Port of Spain street parade and Government-sponsored events are organised. It must be noted that these changes could not have been effected if the population did not want them.

There have been protests but Government’s apparent success indicates that it is possible to make changes to the Carnival celebrations.

It is not possible, however, for Carnival to revert to what it used to be. Viey La Cou fills us with nostalgia but the mas of yesteryear will not return to the streets – certainly not in the same way.

Perhaps though, with some reflection we might be able to influence positively what emerges in the future.

Cooperation and tolerance

Carnival sends many messages: some good, some evil. It has always spoken of joy, the gift of life, artistry and perhaps even a trust in a present God.

It continues to provide many opportunities for cooperation and tolerance. Is there some way to harness these qualities or to assist in bringing them to the fore?

Those persons whose business is Carnival will always favour the bigger events. But is there not some way by which Carnival may serve more of our people and serve them well?

Attempts have been made to take Carnival to the people, to venues outside of the major competition centres.

This has not been as successful as might have been envisaged but it may be that this move is not one that can be effected by Government or any of its agencies alone.

Some Church communities have over the years organised parties, calypso shows and other Carnival events for their members. This is one way to proceed.

Carnival by its very nature lends itself to excess. This is clearly visible in the representations the media choose to highlight. The Catholic perspective does not deny the danger of excess in Carnival but it says that human beings can choose good over evil; that without falling to the sin of presumption or being foolishly optimistic, individuals can make decisions that witness to Christ and give glory to God.

The Mass readings this Sunday all point to the possibility and the need for each person to continually choose good over evil, to show love rather than hate.

“Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate,” (Luke 6: 36) says Jesus, echoing his words in St Matthew’s Gospel: “Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (5: 48). It has to be possible at Carnival as well as in the season of Lent.