Vox pop: Should the city consider shutting down J’ouvert?

The shooting deaths of two young parade-goers at this years J’ouvert parade is forcing local pols and community members to think about the possibility of permanently shutting down the parade. Critics of the annual pre-dawn carnival celebration — which starts in Prospect Heights and ends in Prospect Lefferts-Gardens — say the large gathering which is estimated to be 250,000 people, is an attraction for violent crime. Whereas fans of J’ouvert say critics are using the cultural fest as a scapegoat, ignoring the crime that usually occurs in the area.

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Keith Roy of East New York. “I just think it should be monitored more. It’s not right to punish everyone for the actions of a few. If you shut down the parade, people are still going to come out.”

Community News Group / Alexandra Simon

Established in 1984, J’ouvert, which means “daybreak,” celebrates the start of carnival on the eve of the West Indian day parade. This year was the first time the parade was given an official city permit, but additional officers and light towers on ground did not stop the influx of gun violence.

Jean Philippe from Manhattan. “If any parade that’s supposed to be a celebration of history, has violence when police presence is increased — it should be shut down.”

Community News Group / Alexandra Simon

We asked local Brooklynite’s, if the city should consider shutting down the J’Ouvert parade because of the violence?

Joseph J. from Prospect Lefferts-Gardens. “I don’t want to see it shut down, but I want people to stop the violence. I’d like to see the parade every year — it’s a fun cultural thing.”

Community News Group / Alexandra Simon

Reach reporter Alexandra Simon at (718) 260–8310 or e-mail her at asimon@cnglocal.com.