PHILIPSBURG:--- To ensure the safety of all participants during the upcoming J'ouvert jump-up and other similar events, the Police Force of Sint Maarten kindly requests that the public refrain from wearing ski masks.
While this has become a popular trend among many people, it has been noted that the use of these masks can pose safety risks, such as hindering the identification of individuals and potentially facilitating criminal activity.
To prevent such issues from occurring, the police will be implementing necessary measures to guarantee the safety of all attendees. We strongly encourage everyone to cooperate with these efforts and abstain from wearing ski masks.
Although we understand that some may find this request inconvenient, please be assured that our top priority is the safety and well-being of all those involved in these events. By taking all necessary precautions, we aim to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Minister of Justice Anna Richardson said on Wednesday that a person's face should remain uncovered at all times so that they can be easily identified. She said during COVID a law had to be made to allow the use of facemasks to safeguard the health of the people but that law has now been removed. Richardson made clear that the law that was in place prior to COVID-19 is now active. Persons not adhering to the law will be pulled out of the jump-up and will have to face the full brunt of the law since there will be Zero Tolerance enacted during the carnival jump-ups.
