Violence Erupts at J’ouvert as Stabbing and Cutlass Attack Leaves Four Injured

Several people were injured in two separate violent incidents during Antigua Carnival’s J’ouvert celebrations on Old Parham Road on Monday morning, prompting police investigations into both matters.

The first incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. near the Antigua Grammar School, where a man from Lower Gambles was reportedly stabbed multiple times while enjoying the festivities.

According to Observer Media, the victim was moving through the large J’ouvert crowd when he suddenly felt two sharp pains in his back before collapsing. He reportedly lost consciousness and, upon regaining awareness, discovered his shirt covered in blood.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene and transported the injured man to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was treated for multiple stab wounds. His condition has not been disclosed.

Less than an hour later, violence erupted again along the same stretch of Old Parham Road when an altercation involving several individuals escalated into a bottle and cutlass attack.

Reports indicate that a resident of Pigott’s Village became involved in a confrontation with a man from Glanvilles. During the dispute, the Pigott’s resident allegedly struck the Glanvilles man in the face with a glass bottle. A woman from Glanvilles was also reportedly injured after being struck with a bottle during the incident.

The Glanvilles man allegedly retaliated by attacking the Pigott’s resident with a cutlass, inflicting a wound to his left hand.

The Glanvilles resident was treated for injuries to the left side of his head, while the woman received treatment for an injury to her right knee. The injured man from Pigott’s Village also received medical attention for his hand injury.

The two incidents occurred during one of Carnival’s largest public events, which attracted thousands of revellers to the streets of St. John’s.

Police have launched investigations into both incidents and are appealing to anyone with information or video footage that may assist investigators to come forward.

The latest acts of violence have once again raised concerns about public safety during major Carnival events, despite an increased security presence throughout the festival. No arrests had been announced up to the time of publication.