San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris is seeking official clarification following the early shutdown of Midnight Mas in the city on Carnival night.
According to the Mayor, Midnight Mas, which had been agreed to conclude at 1:00 a.m., was shut down shortly before 11:00 p.m. on the instructions of the Police Service. He also noted that bars were ordered to close, not only in San Fernando but reportedly across the country.
In a series of social media posts, Mayor Parris apologised to masqueraders on behalf of the San Fernando Carnival Committee, saying this Carnival would be remembered for the controversy surrounding the decision.
He stressed that he is awaiting an official explanation from the Gold Star Commander before making any definitive public statement on the matter.
The Mayor also dismissed claims circulating online that he was responsible for shutting down Midnight Mas, describing those allegations as politically motivated and misleading. He stated that he has been advocating for Midnight Mas for the past eight months and would not take actions to undermine it.
Mayor Parris urged restraint amid public speculation, emphasizing the need for accurate information and responsible discourse. He added that until the country confronts what he described as its broader challenges, “nobody wins.”
The TTPS has not yet issued a detailed public statement outlining the reason for the early shutdown.
