Catholic archbishop in Trinidad bashes carnival band for giving out sex toys to female revellers

The Archbishop of Port of Spain, Jason Gordon, has sounded the alarm over what he calls the "hedonism" of modern Carnival, urging citizens to speak out after one of the island's most popular masquerade bands handed out adult sex toys in goodie bags to female masqueraders.

The band at the centre of the controversy, Tribe Carnival, reportedly included the palm-sized clitoral suction toy, shaped like a rose, in Saturday's Carnival goodies.

Speaking at a daily service at the Archbishop's Chapel, Gordon said the band had "gone too far" and warned that government intervention may be necessary if organizers refuse to pull back.

"Just as I have asked the government to regulate social media for the sake of our children, if Tribe cannot pull back on its own, I think the government would have to regulate it," he said, urging citizens to make their positions known online.

Gordon said Carnival has long been a reflection of Trinidad and Tobago's rich social history, from Canboulay Riots to the pan, Moko Jumbies, and Dimanche Gras. But he warned that commercialisation has turned parts of the festival into "big business" run by a few people, and that some events now corrupt young people.

"The only times Carnival evolved into more artistic forms is when it got pushed back," he said. "What we have now reached is hedonism. We have to dial this back."

Tribe Carnival chief executive Dean Ackin defended the band's decision, telling the Trinidad Express that the idea originated from a Valentine's Day theme coinciding with Carnival Saturday.

"You know Tribe--we've never been afraid to lead from the front," Ackin said. "Carnival is about freedom, expression, fun, and a little mischief... If that experience occasionally comes with a cheeky surprise, well... that's very much on brand for us."

Ackin added that Tribe's giveaways are meant to be playful, memorable, and part of the overall "mas experience," saying the reaction from masqueraders has been laughter, excitement, and conversation.

- CANA

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