The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC), the body responsible for Lucian Carnival, has expressed deep disappointment over the wave of cyberbullying during the live broadcast of the recently concluded National Carnival Queen pageant.
Insults and even threats were directed at contestants and organisers by individuals seemingly dissatisfied with the results and the event itself.
Cyberbullying—the use of technology to harass, threaten or humiliate others – includes online threats, aggressive messages, derogatory posts and the sharing of personal content intended to cause harm. Such behaviour has no place in our society, let alone in celebrating our culture.
For years, the National Carnival Queen Pageant has been one of Saint Lucia’s most highly anticipated events, drawing massive local and diaspora support. Yet, some online spectators have taken their passion too far, resorting to vicious attacks against contestants, hosts and organisers during the broadcast. While the CPMC has attempted to moderate comments, even disabling them in some cases, the abuse has persisted on personal social media platforms, sometimes days after the event.
This is completely unacceptable.
These young women demonstrate immense courage and dedication to grace the stage after months of preparation. Competing at such a level demands sacrifice, passion and resilience, qualities that deserve respect, not ridicule.
Likewise, the organisers invest tremendous effort into delivering a quality production, and this year’s pageant was no exception. Our Carnival has become a source of national pride, admired by many. Why tarnish it with spiteful and demeaning remarks? While it’s natural to feel disappointed with competition results, targeting participants who have no control over the judging is unjust. Their role is to perform to the best of their ability, not to bear the brunt of misplaced frustration.
The escalation to outright threats this year suggests that cyberbullies have grown bolder, likely because nothing has been done to curb the practice. Many hide behind fake profiles, but legal avenues, such as reciprocal cyber laws and legal channels, exist to identify and hold them accountable. Cyberbullying is a crime, and perpetrators should face consequences.
We cannot ignore the dangerous precedent being set. In 2023, the crowned Carnival Queen was struck by an object hurled from the crowd at another event, a disturbing outcome of the same toxic behaviour that began online.
Now, with reports that carnival organisers are seeking police intervention, we must ask: Is this who we’ve become? Will winners need security escorts simply to participate? Are we teaching our youth to be sore losers and to rant and rave when they disagree with results?
And let’s be honest. Are these actions influenced by what we see in our politics? Weekly, we witness party supporters attacking talk show hosts and even politicians online. When do we say enough and reclaim civility?
As we prepare to showcase the brilliance of Lucian Carnival to the world over the next few days, we urge everyone to reject hostility. Disagreeing with judges is one thing; hurling accusations and vitriol is another. Let us celebrate responsibly and respectfully.
All right-thinking citizens must stand against intimidation, violence and discrimination, whether based on religion, gender, race, or class. This Carnival season and beyond, let’s stamp out cyberbullying and uphold the values that truly define us.
