Rose on the road? - Sex toy could enter carnival bags

As Jamaica's carnival season heats up, speculation is swirling over whether any local band will follow Trinidad's lead and slip the infamous rose sex toy into its goodie bags for revellers.

Eyes are now turning to Jamaica, where the same bold move could spark lively debates during Carnival.

But Pastor Barry Hall, of Ekklesia Bible Fellowship, isn't worried about roses--or anything else. For more than a decade, Pastor Hall and members of his congregation have made it a habit of handing out water and ministering to revellers along Hope Road in St Andrew on Road March Day.

Whether or not a toy finds its way into Jamaican goodie bags, his ministry will be there, offering what he calls "living water" to revellers.

"We will be there sharing the gospel, no matter what. I don't agree with a lot of things that happen in carnivals--but that's exactly why we need to be there. We have to shine the light of the world wherever it is needed," he told THE STAR.

Pastor Hall emphasised that while he doesn't condemn Carnival, his goal is to offer hope, not judgment.

"We're not there to condemn because God didn't send us to condemn the world. We're there to tell others about the hope of Jesus Christ. So, whatever Carnival does, it won't shock me."

He was clear that his church's presence is not an endorsement.

"We don't agree with that. Carnival is wild, full of innuendo, sexual energy. But we go out there to share the gospel, and that won't change. We've been at Back Road, Ripon Road--we'll always be there, no matter what happens on the road."

Over the years, Pastor Hall has seen firsthand the impact of his ministry, even amid criticism and skepticism.

"People have come to testify about what has happened, right on the road itself. Several times," he said.

As Pastor Hall prepares to take to the streets again, some revellers say they would actually welcome the controversial rose.

Ashley*, gearing up for her fifth Carnival, said she initially raised an eyebrow but ultimately saw the humor and appeal. She said that if Jamaican organisers could include such an item, women would appreciate it.

"If they have the budget, yes! The girls would love it--women like sex too," she laughed.

Some carnival bands have included condoms in their goodie bags or party packs for revellers, especially at large events. The rationale is mostly safety and harm reduction, acknowledging that Carnival often involves socialising, partying, and sometimes sexual activity.

For Ashley, a rose would be a refreshing change.

"Everyone already sees Carnival as sexualised. No one is walking the road with roses out in public--that's for private time, just like other personal activities."

Meanwhile, Pierre Goubault, CEO of local band Xodus, said the inclusion of rose in goodie bags is not on the table for his band. He said goodie bag items are carefully chosen to enhance the on-road experience--not for personal play.

"Our items either fit the theme or improve the road experience, whether it's cups, medicine, or other necessities. Condoms are included for safety, not encouragement. But a rose toy is different--it's telling someone to go help themselves, and that's not something we support," Goubault said.