Riot squad quells mad rush for TSTT phones

Nearby businesses in the mall were also forced to shut their doors as a crowd of 500 people, pushed and shoved their way into the TSTT’s offices inside the Gulf City Shopping Complex.

A riot squad had to be called in to quell the angry mob which pushed passed security checkpoints. San Fernando detectives, TSTT’s police and the mall security officers, managed to contain the crowd.

It was a scene of pushing and shoving from as early as 9 am, when news spread like wild fire about the special offer. About 200 persons were gathered outside the mall.

When mall security guards opened the doors, eyewitnesses said that people pushed their way in all at once. By lunchtime, there were 500 people trying to inch their way inside. TSTT’s offices in the mall can accomodate only ten customers at one time.

Eyewitnesses told Newsday that police were forced to strike their batons at some to quell the commotion.

When that happened, the crowd pushed forward, pressing against the glass panes causing one of the panes to shatter.

TSTT’s management took a decision to close for the day. TSTT’s Corporate Communication’s Manager, Graeme Suites, told Newsday that other outlets across the country were closed after similar incidents occurred. Saying that the special offer was available until January 7, 2006, Suites called on customers to remain calm as the offer was available at TSTT’s 200 mobile dealers located throughout the country.