The family of Cher Maximen, who was killed at the Notting Hill Carnival, have called for more to be done to tackle the underlying causes of knife crime, and said cancelling the event would do nothing to stop violence. On Friday, Shakeil Thibou, 20, from Kensington in west London,was jailed for life for her murderwith a minimum term of 29 years. The killing led to renewed scrutiny of the annual event, but Ms Maximen's relatives say it should spark a wider conversation about youth violence and community safety, adding that Carnival is "not what killed her". BBC News has contacted organisers Notting Hill Carnival Ltd for comment. The Notting Hill Carnival takes place over two days over the August Bank Holiday along a three-and-a-half mile (5.6km) route in north Kensington and has been running for more than 50 years. TJ Jacobs, who is the godmother to Cher's daughter, said that cancelling the event would not stop knife crime but that "everyone has some responsibility". "Carnival absolutely has to look at itself and I understand the unique reason why Carnival was set up for people of Caribbean heritage," she said. "That doesn't take away from the fact that in some parts it can be quite dangerous." She said the event's organisers should look at issues of safety and address them in order to stop it "fuelling a narrative" around the entire festival. "For the focus purely to be on Carnival takes away from the fact we've watched several people get stabbed in the last 18 months who weren't at Carnival," Ms Jacobs added. "What we're saying is, we don't want anyone else to experience losing a loved one to knife crime. So it makes no sense to focus on Carnival, because we recognise that's not what killed Cher." A spokesperson for organisersNotting Hill Carnival Ltd previously saidthose carrying out violence "have nothing to do with Notting Hill Carnival and its values". Cher's grandmother, Vyleen Maximen agreed, but said that although she had once really enjoyed attending the event, she did worry about safety, particularly over the large numbers of people on the streets. "This is just my thoughts... I personally think it should be in a park, that's my opinion," she said. "If the genuine opinion is, we all appreciate the value, the heritage, the importance of Carnival, then it deserves a conversation," added Ms Jacobs. "To really look at, how do we safeguard those who come here just to have a good time?" In 2023, the organiserssaid in response to callsfor it to be moved: "The Notting Hill Carnival belongs on the streets of Notting Hill and moving it will not eliminate the issues our community suffered this year." Including Cher Maximen, two people were killed during the 2024 event. ChefMussie Imnetu, 41, was repeatedly punched and kicked and left to die near the carnival area. Last year's event saw eight stabbings in total, according to Metropolitan Police data. The figures, which range from 2017 to 2024, show that 2019 saw the highest number of stabbings at 18 with none fatal. One fatal stabbing was recorded at the 2022 carnival afterfather-to-be Takayo Nembhard, 21, was killed. A report into the event by the London Assembly's Police and Crime committee published in April noted major concerns about crowd sizes and police resourcing. Giving evidence the committee in September 2024, the Met's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: "While we acknowledge the crime often gets the headlines, the thing that worries me most is the crowd density and the potential for a mass casualty event." London assembly member, and one-time mayoral candidate, Susan Hall hasadvocated moving the carnival to Hyde Park. At the publication of the report by the committee, which she chairs, Ms Hall said there have been "a number of incredibly worrying incidents with crowd density" at the carnival. She raised concerns about the Metropolitan Police's ability "to keep visitors safe or to respond to any incidents that occur". The organisers have said they use "experts from all areas of event organisation" and had 3,300 stewards on duty in 2024 to help manage crowds. Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, lead member for communities at Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: "Our thoughts are with Cher Maximen's family as they continue to deal with their devastating loss. "Notting Hill Carnival is a space for community cohesion and a global celebration of diversity and Caribbean culture. It is a valued event, enjoyed peacefully and safely by so many people." Ms Jacobs asked people to think of Cher's daughter in discussions around the event. "No one else's story is more important than that," she added. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London onSoundsand follow BBC London onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas tohello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Cancelling Carnival won't stop knife crime, say victim's family
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Family of Carnival Victim Calls for Focus on Knife Crime Prevention Over Event Cancellation"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The family of Cher Maximen, who tragically lost her life at the Notting Hill Carnival, is urging for a greater focus on the root causes of knife crime rather than simply placing blame on the event itself. Following the sentencing of Shakeil Thibou, who was given a life sentence for her murder, Ms. Maximen's relatives assert that cancelling the carnival would not address the broader issues of youth violence and community safety. They argue that the carnival, which has been a significant cultural event for over 50 years, should not be scapegoated for the violent incidents that occur in the area. TJ Jacobs, a close family friend and godmother to Cher's daughter, emphasized that while acknowledging the origins of the carnival, safety concerns must be addressed to prevent further tragedies. Jacobs pointed out that focusing solely on the carnival detracts from the ongoing issue of knife crime that affects the community year-round, highlighting that many victims were not present at the event itself.
Concerns about safety at the Notting Hill Carnival have been amplified by recent violent incidents, including stabbings and two deaths during the 2024 event. The Metropolitan Police have documented rising concerns about crowd density and the potential for mass casualty events, prompting discussions about the event's future location. Some local leaders, including London Assembly member Susan Hall, have suggested moving the carnival to a more controlled environment, such as Hyde Park, to better manage safety. However, carnival organizers maintain that the event belongs in its traditional location and that moving it would not solve the underlying issues. The community remains divided on how to protect attendees while preserving the cultural significance of the carnival. Cher Maximen's family is advocating for a shift in focus towards ensuring community safety and preventing further loss of life due to knife crime, urging that these discussions should prioritize the memory of Cher and the impact on her daughter, rather than solely debating the carnival's future.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the tragic murder of Cher Maximen during the Notting Hill Carnival and the subsequent reactions from her family. Their perspective emphasizes that cancelling the Carnival will not address the root causes of knife crime. This narrative opens a broader discussion on community safety and youth violence, positioning the Carnival as a cultural event rather than a catalyst for violence.
Underlying Purpose of the Article
The family’s insistence on addressing the root causes of knife crime rather than scapegoating the Carnival suggests a desire for a more nuanced conversation about community issues. They advocate for accountability from both event organizers and society at large, indicating that the focus should not solely be on the Carnival but on a comprehensive approach to violence prevention.
Community Perception
The article aims to shift the community’s perception of the Carnival, highlighting that while safety concerns are valid, the event itself is not the inherent problem. By framing the conversation around systemic issues rather than blaming cultural events, it seeks to foster understanding and dialogue rather than division.
Potential Concealments
While the article does not explicitly hide information, it could be perceived as downplaying the immediate safety concerns associated with large events like the Carnival. This could lead to a perception that the risks are being overlooked for the sake of promoting cultural celebration.
Manipulative Elements
The article’s manipulation index appears moderate. While it does not overtly misrepresent facts, it emphasizes a narrative that may downplay immediate safety concerns at the Carnival. The language used by the family could suggest a denial of the event's connection to violence, which may inadvertently minimize the seriousness of the issue.
Truthfulness of the Report
The article is grounded in the experiences of the victim's family, providing a personal and emotional perspective on the broader issue of knife crime. However, it is essential to recognize that it reflects a specific viewpoint that may not encompass all community members' sentiments.
Societal Impact
This news could contribute to a heightened awareness of youth violence and potentially influence policy discussions around public safety at cultural events. It may also evoke a call for community-led initiatives to address violence rather than punitive measures.
Support from Communities
The article likely resonates more with communities affected by violence and those who advocate for cultural events as expressions of heritage. It seeks to engage individuals who believe in addressing root causes rather than punishing cultural celebrations.
Economic Implications
While the immediate economic impact may not be evident, discussions around safety at public events can influence local businesses that rely on such gatherings. A decrease in attendance due to safety concerns could affect revenues for vendors and local establishments.
Geopolitical Relevance
In a broader context, discussions around violence and community safety intersect with global conversations about social justice and public safety. The issues raised in the article are pertinent to contemporary societal debates on how communities address violence and support cultural expression.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in writing this article, as it captures human emotions and nuanced opinions that AI may struggle to convey authentically. Any AI involvement would have been minimal, possibly in data collection or fact-checking rather than in the actual narrative.
Summary of Trustworthiness
The article holds a degree of trustworthiness as it provides a personal account from the victim's family, yet it represents a specific perspective that may not reflect the broader community sentiment. It invites readers to consider deeper issues regarding violence, making it a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions.