Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced changes to J’Ouvert, after the event has been plagued by violence in recent years.
“It’s a very important moment for the Caribbean community and we respect that but we are absolutely committed to ensuring that this be an event where everyone is kept safe,” Mayor de Blasio said.
This year the NYPD will have extra officers on hand to keep the event safe. The parade will also start later, beginning at 6 a.m. rather than 2 a.m. Officials are also increasing the number of light towers along the route by 30 percent.
“So, we should have a successful, enjoyable, and safe event for everyone this year. The time change for start should help us. In fact all of our combined efforts are geared towards deterring acts of violence,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said.
Two people were killed during last year’s J’Ouvert. The year before, an aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo was killed.
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