Fete win, lose or draw

POLICE have disclosed that there are no special security arrangements or traffic plans in place in anticipation of the hysteria from TT Soca Warriors fans during games played by the Soca Warriors at the World Cup Finals in Germany. This country tackles Sweden in their first group match this Saturday.

Senior police sources told Newsday they were not given any instructions to come up with a traffic plan or even special security arrangements on match days.

The matches are being played this Saturday (against Sweden), June 15 (England) and against Paraguay on June 20, after the Labour Day public holiday.

Police sources said that in the event Trinidad and Tobago is victorious in any of their games, they have no plan in place to deal with ecstatic fans to control impromptu street parades and parties. Traffic Branch officers said officers are trained to deal with any situation and if they are called out to put together a traffic plan then it will be done.

Officers added that the only special arrangement which will be put in place is increased patrols, in and around sport bars where the football matches will be viewed on large screens by members of the public.

Special attention will be paid to vehicles but apart from that, no special arrangement has been ordered by senior officers. Sources said with the first game on Saturday, many people will be at home so officers do not expect a lot of traffic that day.

The second match will be played on a public holiday and again the police expect many to be at home that day. The third match will be played after the Labour Day public holiday and the police do not expect a problem with crowds.

Officers added that despite the games, the security forces will still be on alert in the event that people use the opportunity to disrupt the country. Soldiers will be called out on the day of the matches to carry out special patrols.

Newsday learnt that no restrictions have been placed on fetes for the day of the games.

Requests for special licenses for persons holding fetes have also not been restricted. Sources within the Prisons Service said specially selected, low-risk prisoners will be allowed to watch the TT games in specially designated areas of the prison facilities where television sets have been placed.