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Caribbean Carnival Parade-Goers to be Searched

Posted By: Michelle Rosa · 7/25/2012 6:08:00 AM

If you are going to Exhibition Place to watch the annual Carribean Carnival parade August 4th,  be aware that you'll likely be searched for weapons and drugs, for the first time.

Stephen Weir, the spokesman for the event insists this is not a response to the Danzig Street shootings and not a response to last year when there was a shooting after the parade. He makes the example that they are two very different events, one is a parade, the other a private party.

Weir says "We are doing it because of the concerns that really are out there about our event, from people that aren't going to be at our event."  He insists "it's not a big thing to search bags but if it would make people feel better, we certainly would do it."

Weir has worked with the event since 1999, and as far as he knows, this is the first time people will be searched on the way to the bleachers. Organizers are also planning to hire over 600 private security staff, who were also brought in last year.

(Some files by D. Agar)

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  1. Richard Collins posted on 07/25/2012 09:56 AM
    It makes perfect sense. Blacks are shooting up the city, so make sure that nobody is carrying guns at the biggest black community event of the year.
    1. MarciaG_2423 posted on 07/25/2012 10:02 AM
      @Richard Collins ummm pls DON'T be a JERK!!!! which is what you sound like now!!!

      Is it ONLY blacks that are shooting up the city?????????? You sound rather ignorant and racist!!!

      WOW

      Anyhoo............back to the news yes I totaly AGREE that everyone should be searched for the safety of everyone and so that those that go will feel some sort of comfort!
    2. Josie posted on 07/25/2012 11:11 AM
      @Richard Collins I think this is a great idea, but not because we think black people are the only ones shooting up the city RICHARD! but because higher security at a large event like this makes total sense... we have security for wonderland, concerts, bars and clubs why not at the carnival where we have over a million people in attendance. Higher security should be standard practice not only for this carnival but for all carnivals and parades in the city!
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  2. calvinhc posted on 07/25/2012 11:57 AM
    This makes perfect sense: search the people who are paying to see the parade in the stands because we all know the trouble-makers pay to see the parade instead of just hang out along Lakeshore Blvd to watch it for free.

    HINT: Every gun incident that has occurred at the parade since it has been at the CNE Grounds/Lakeshore Blvd has been on Lakeshore Blvd.

    Of course, we can't possibly search people who are going to see it on the street. So, to make us all feel good, we will spend money to search the paying audience.
  3. muskoka bound posted on 07/25/2012 01:03 PM
    Getting out of town...soon enough?
  4. EdwardM_8180 posted on 07/26/2012 11:00 PM
    What is very strange is that the very same Police Chief held the responsibility of keeping this city safe during the G20. A whole lot of things happened in this city that he has failed up today to explain but to run into circles. Carribana is a function that has ran for ages in this city, it has been a good function except that only one time when it had a shooting. And the very same Police Chief that maintained the safety of this city during the G20 is coming into this Caribbana to protect it with a strength of 320 officers. Muskoka Bound I am not going to go with you out of town on this Caribbana for you are slow, I am leaving town on Friday. And on record, when I saw the manner our city was militarized on G 20, I screamed to everyone that I care for to pack and very fast for we have to leave down town, and to our safety yes we did, and we watched the unbelievable happening to our city on a screen. It is time to leave down town till when the Chief is done with keeping Caribana safe.

    And trust me I have watched these things long enough to make a respected prediction.

    EM
    A black parent
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