Security ‘glitch’ as two robbed at Youthfest

DESPITE the heavy presence of police at Saturday’s Coca-Cola Youthfest held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, two men were robbed and stabbed during scrimmages which police described as a “glitch” in security. According to information, between 6 pm and 8 pm hundreds of patrons came into the ground without being scanned. Sometime later at around 11.30 pm persons attempted to rob a 30-year-old Arima man. When he retaliated, he was surrounded by a group of men who proceeded to stab him several times about the body with an ice pick and knives. At around 2 am yesterday a 22-year-old man of Point Fortin was stabbed at the same function under similar conditions. In both cases the attackers got away with money and jewelry.

Both men who were attacked by gang members are currently warded in serious condition at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. When contacted police sources confirmed the attacks and blamed the whole situation on security glitches when, for some reason, the security hired for the show stopped scanning patrons for weapons and many were able to sneak them in. The gang members escaped. The annual event which involved some of the country’s top brass bands and thousand of youths from all over the country has had a record of violence since its inception.

Saturday’s show was a Randy Glas-gow and Radio 96.1We FM Promotion. Members of the Port-of-Spain CID are investigating. Meanwhile in an unrelated matter a 21-year-old Arouca man and 29-year-old San Fernando suspect were arrested for stealing car radios at the WASA Carnival fete held at St Joseph. The annual WASA fete also saw a record number of police officers and private security. St Joseph police are investigating the larceny.