Mayor announces plans to increase PoS security

PORT-OF-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown has said plans were being finalised to beef-up security in the nation’s capital for the upcoming Christmas season and Carnival celebrations, since criminal activity is usually on a rise at these times. Addressing reporters after a press briefing to announce plans to light up Woodford Square for the upcoming festive season, Brown said there was always anxiety from the business sector at Christmas and Carnival due to the increased instances of shop-breaking and larceny. He said he was aware the police cannot be everywhere at all times, but he assured that   the City Police were finalising plans to increase security in the capital city. Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) president Gregory Aboud said his organisation had contacted the Minister of National Security, requesting a meeting with him to discuss several proposals with regard to security issues and the concerns of the business people in Port-of-Spain.

He said they had come up with a number of ideas for security measures that can be put in place which could have the effect of reducing crime in the city. He said he was hoping to get the support of the relevant ministries to deal with the situation, saying PoS was one of the best and more attractive shopping destinations in the country. Concerning street vending, the Mayor said a “Christmas Village” would be established in Woodford Square to house the vendors who come out at this time of the year. He stressed again that street vending would not be tolerated. Brown said he was not prepared to allow the streets of PoS to become overrun with vendors as was the case in previous years. He said he had already advised City Police officers that illegal vendors must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.