Written by: BBC London home affairs correspondent Sonja Jessup
Following the tragic death of Cher Maximen at the Notting Hill Carnival, her family has emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of knife crime instead of focusing solely on the event itself. Shakeil Thibou, 20, from Kensington, was sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder, but Cher’s relatives believe that cancelling the carnival will not address the larger issue of youth violence in the community. According to them, Carnival is not to blame for her death.
Notting Hill Carnival has been a longstanding tradition spanning over 50 years, taking place over two days during the August Bank Holiday in north Kensington. TJ Jacobs, the godmother of Cher’s daughter, stressed that while Carnival should examine safety measures, everyone shares a responsibility in preventing knife crime. Jacobs acknowledged the cultural significance of the event but also highlighted the necessity of prioritizing safety precautions to mitigate potential risks.
Cher’s grandmother, Vyleen Maximen echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns about the safety of attendees due to the large crowds at the Carnival. Both Jacobs and Maximen agreed that a dialogue about safety measures and the preservation of the event’s cultural heritage is essential. While calls to relocate the Carnival have surfaced, organizers have defended the event’s significance to the Notting Hill community, emphasizing that moving it would not resolve underlying issues.
In the wake of tragic incidents, including Cher Maximen’s death and others during the Carnival, concerns about public safety have been raised. With past instances of stabbings and escalating violence, authorities have grappled with crowd management and policing challenges. As discussions continue about the future of the Notting Hill Carnival, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees, including Cher’s daughter, whose loss serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of violence
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