Tribe ‘Rose’ Controversy — Defence Minister Warns: Leave Adult Sex Toys At Home For Carnival

In response to mas band Tribe’s recent ‘rose’ controversy, Minister of Defence, Wayne Sturge, is warning masqueraders that lewdness will not be tolerated during Carnival celebrations, with offenders facing possible jail time for serious indecency.

Tribe recently gifted their female masqueraders an adult sex toy in their goodie bags, sparking public debate about whether Carnival has devolved into a new level of immorality.

During a Press Conference at the Queen's Park Savannah on Friday (13th February, 2026), Sturge said the State is ready to make an example of them if they are caught using adult sex toys or devices on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

“I know that one band has provided their masquerades with some toys. We ask that you leave the toys and the devices at home and you can use them in the quiet of your home. Please do not use them in any public space. If you are caught, because there is CCTV, there is private cameras from people's buildings, there is an abundance of cellphones, if you are caught, you will be made an example of.”

The Minister also warned the public that they can also be charged for other lewd acts. He added, “If you are caught copulating in public, you will also be made an example of. There are laws to deal with that. Whether it's copulating or engaging in acts of serious indecency, you will be taught a very hard lesson. The Courts are ready for that.”

Under Section 51 of the Summary Offences Act, engaging in “indecent, lewd, or insulting” acts in a public place or any place visible to the public, such as a street, highway, or beach, can lead to fines of $200 to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to two (2) months.

Under Section 46 of the Summary Offences Act, “obscene exposure of person” classifies an individual as a “rogue and vagabond.” This has an imprisonment of up to two (2) months for a first offence. Repeat offenders can face up to six (6) months or be classified as an “incorrigible rogue.”

Meanwhile, when it comes to serious indecency, the law states that if the act is more explicit and can fall under the Sexual Offences Act, it has a penalty of up to five (5) years’ imprisonment.

As the Defence Minister cautioned citizens to behave themselves, he also reminded them that there are other consequences. “Keep in mind a box of condoms is far cheaper than a box of pampers and a box of pampers might be the least of your worries because you might have something that might stay with you for life, something debilitating,” he warned.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon sounded the alarm just days ago, after the Tribe controversy gained widespread attention, saying the band had “gone too far.”

The marketing tactic has since received mixed views, with Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, urging masqueraders not to embarrass themselves by using such devices during the Carnival revelry.

Minister of Culture, Michelle Benjamin, echoed similar sentiments, warning citizens to be responsible for Carnival.

More on this as it becomes available. 

[Source: T&T Guardian]

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