More police and soldiers for fetes

Yesterday, Deputy Commissioner Crime-/Operations Winston Cooper said the decision was taken based on the incident outside Licensing Fete early Sunday morning when police officers were forced to take action to deal with an unruly group of people.

"We have reviewed the whole incident and, starting immediately, entrances to fetes will be kept free and tickets will not be sold at fete entrances, or even close to venues," said Cooper.

He added that careful consideration will be given to the number of police officers providing security at fetes, and proper lighting in areas of entrances will be a priority.

"The police action at all of these venues is to ensure safety and security for all patrons, and people who come to have a good time will be able to do so without provoking any kind of unforeseen violence.

"We are calling on the public to understand the role of the police, and we want them to enjoy themselves and avoid violence at all costs," said Cooper.

He also denied reports that police officers used rubber bullets to disperse the unruly crowd outside Licensing Fete on Sunday.

"We simply do not have rubber bullets," Cooper said.

Officers deployed at the fete fired in the air to gain control of the crowd.

Overselling of tickets was blamed yesterday for the unruly behaviour which sparked the police action.

The fete was organised by Tri-Star Promotions, and owner Roy Maharaj was unavailable for comment yesterday.

According to reports, the fete was already overcrowded, but hundreds of frustrated people stood outside the venue with tickets in hand.

In addition, the six lines through which tickets were being collected to gain entry into the fete were moving at a very slow pace.

This was created because people were being searched before being allowed inside.

Unruly members of the public who felt they were being denied entry into the fete began to protest by shaking the scaffolding at the passageway which caused the police to respond.