Heavy cops presence for today’s city gathering of UNC supporters

Senior officers told Newsday that police officers will maintain a strong presence in an around the court to ensure that law and order is preserved.

According to senior officers yesterday, police officers will ensure that roads and entrances are not blocked, and that no offences are committed.

They added that they are hoping that good sense prevails and the UNC supporters gather peacefully and avoid breaking the law.

Newsday learnt that only those people with legitimate business at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court will be allowed into the building.

People who choose to gather around the court will be under the scrutiny of the police.

Members of the public who insist on gathering near the court will be carefully monitored to ensure that the law is adhered to.

ACP Mobile Nazamul Hosein, who is also in charge of the Port-of-Spain Division, said yesterday that the police will be out and members of the public need to know that they should respect the law.

Newsday learnt that UNC supporters will be gathering from as early as 5 am today to secure transportation to take them to Port-of-Spain.

Their presence at the court will be to show support for UNC leader Basdeo Panday, who will appear in court today.

It is unsure if Panday will agree to take bail, or return to the confines of the Golden Grove Prison where he spent seven days.

Newsday learnt that Panday may opt to remain in jail until his next court appearance.

Several people have already expressed interest in securing the bail for Panday, but he has so far refused to accept.

Prisons Commissioner John Rougier said he has been visiting Panday on a daily basis and the UNC leader is in good spirits.

He also revealed that Panday, who is a heart patient, is being visited by a doctor on a daily basis.