PM, Dillon, top cop congratulate police

Additionally, the Acting Commissioner noted in his letter that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also wanted to extend his heartfelt thanks for the work carried out by members of the police service especially for their visibility and for their round the clock presence in all areas throughout the country and to preserve law and order.

The letter from the Acting Commissioner also noted that Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon was deeply moved by the efforts of the police officers in ensuring that there was not a spate of senseless killings, robberies, rapes and other serious crimes during the two days of revelry.

Over the Carnival extended weekend, seven murders were committed.

The letter pointed out that it were it not for the commitment of officers, the public would not have been able to enjoy the Carnival the way they did and he asked that the commitment displayed be continued in the coming months.

Despite the kudos expressed by the Acting Commissioner to police officers, the Police Social Welfare Association questioned the rationale for the long working hours officers were forced to endure during the Carnival period, stating that officers were “overworked and very tired.” Association President Inspector Michael Seales said while officers are glad to keep the criminal elements at bay, they are also human and feel tired like any ordinary human being. He believes the Carnival work hours could have been broken up or shortened. He said that this matter will be discussed with the Acting CoP so that better arrangements could be made for next year’s Carnival.

Inspector Seales said that the Association was heartened to learn that the Acting CoP, the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security had taken time to commend the ranks for “their exceptionally good work”, during Carnival.