NEWSDAY
Thursday, January 8 2015

A comprehensive security operational plan will be in effect for Carnival 2015, says National Security Minister Gary Griffith.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Griffith said the Ministry was already working in collaboration with bandleaders and fete promoters to ensure that every Carnival event this year takes place under high security.

He said law enforcement agencies will be conducting high visibility operations to secure patrons going to, attending and leaving all Carnival events and, in this regard, the National Operations Centre (NOC) in tandem with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) would be ascertaining the number of events scheduled for the season, as well as the entry access points and exits for all venues.

He added that apart from the security that would be expected to be provided at events by promoters, the Ministry would ensure additional security resources are available to serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.

“Covert operatives would also be used to patrol events to address the increased concern of pickpocketing.

Additional support will be provided by the National Operations Centre Air Division and Community Comfort Patrols (CCP) Units,” he said.

Griffith encouraged patrons attending Carnival events to act responsibly at all times in their consumption of alcohol.

He also encouraged organisers of events to be reminded of the need to ensure that minors are not served alcohol during such events.

He said he noticed a pattern by bartenders not to ascertain the age of some patrons who can be minors and recommended that a colour-coded wrist band be implemented on Carnival Monday and Tuesday for under aged patrons in all-inclusive Carnival bands.

In addressing the expected traffic congestion on the nation’s roads the Minister said that traffic plans will be tailored to ensure minimum inconvenience to citizens, especially in the vicinity of event venues. Additionally, to further strengthen road safety, law enforcement agencies will be out in full force conducting stop and search exercises, roadblocks, as well as breathalyser testing.