Social assistance clubs and pleasure say that NOPD requires an insurance policy of $ 5 million for trailers
New Orleans-While New Orleans is preparing for the return of the second line season later this month, social assistance and pleasure clubs across the city raise concerns about a new insurance mandate which, according to them, could threaten a cornerstone of local culture.
The club’s organizers say that about three weeks ago, they received an opinion from the New Orleans Police Service requiring an insurance policy of $ 5 million for the trolleys used during second-line parades.
“We are ready to compromise, but we are not ready to get rid of the affairs of a black man, such as trailers and public service carts,” said Walter Fair, president of the CTC Steppers Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
Fair says that the requirement is a first and is almost impossible to answer.
“We cannot find the police. We are looking for, we are trying to contact insurance companies on this subject, but we cannot find this type of insurance police,” he said.
According to NOPD, the change aims to improve public security. In a statement to WWL Louisiana, a spokesperson for the NOPD said:
“NOPD’s main responsibility is public security – whether during the second line or any event in New Orleans. Our recent emphasis placed on public service trailers stems from community concerns and our obligation to ensure that all transport for rental complies with existing safety regulations. We remain determined to work with all stakeholders to find solutions that protect the public while honoring our cultural traditions. ”
But the organizers argue that these trailers and trolleys are more than a simple transport – they are an essential element to make the second lines accessible to everyone, especially the elders.
“Yesterday, we lost one of our elders, Mrs. Irma Rudolph, and her latest driving memory in a parade by Lady Buckjumpers is on one of these carts,” said Fair. “This is important for people who can no longer make the four hours physically.”
In response to the community outcry, members of the municipal council of New Orleans have expressed their own concerns. In a social media press release, the Council said that the NOPD “had been chosen unilaterally to enforce new requirements” and that they are now proposing a resolution to require higher commitment and comments before implementing the modifications of the seconds. The municipal council should hear NOPD and the public concerning the change proposed at their meeting of the Council on Thursday.
With the season that should start at the end of August, the weather is short.
“We found it a little unfair for them to get it on us,” said Fair.
For the moment, social assistance and pleasure clubs run to find a solution, but many fear that the heart of the tradition of the second line of New Orleans is in danger.
Click here to report a typing fault.
► Get news from your neighborhood that is delivered to you directly by downloading the new free WWL-TV application now in the IOS app store Or Google Play.
