For J’ouvert revelers Thursday, Diageo USVI and Bellows International are offering a free and safe ride home, repeating last year’s popular pilot program that returned more than 250 adults home from the all-morning celebration.
Shuttles provided by the V.I. Taxicab Commission and Taxis in Unity will be located at the end of the J’ouvert parade route between the Carnival Village and VIPD headquarters. The two shuttles will run from 11 a.m. until 2 PM on April 29th and will follow two bus routes: one through Tutu and Raphune Hill going east, and another heading east through Frenchman’s Bay.
The shuttles are free to adults over the age of 18 who have a voucher obtained in advance at the Bellows International office in Sub Base, or during J’ouvert festivities at the Safe Rides Ambassadors or at the Diageo USVI and Bellows International Safe Ride tent located at the end of the J’ouvert route.
“Based on the outpouring of support and interest from the community, we are excited to continue this program in 2010 and beyond,” said James Vaughn, Diageo Trade Marketing Manager for Bellows International, Ltd., in a statement.
“The V.I. community has shown overwhelming support for this program and we are excited to continue to be a part of it,” said Judith Wheatley, executive director of the V.I. Taxicab Commission.
According to the statement, Diageo has launched an innovative website designed to promote responsible drinking worldwide. The site, www.DRINKiQ.com, is a “global resource for interested parties to share programs and tools designed to fight alcohol abuse and help individuals make responsible choices about drinking—or not drinking,” the statement said.
