Songs which exalt gun violence will be banned at this year’s staging of Tobago Carnival following a suggestion by Trinidad police to ban songs that glorify gang activity and violence at the event.

The Trinidad police reportedly made the suggestion at a recent meeting with the Tobago Promoters Association. According to the police, there has been a link between violent lyrics and aggressive behaviour by listeners.

“When you go out and observe it yourself, as soon as some songs come on, people get hyped based on the lyrical content. People react to it,” Senior Superintendent Rodhill Kirk was quoted saying during an interview with Trinidad Guardian.