Cops throw ‘security net’ over TT

A “security net” was last night placed around Port-of-Spain and the other main Carnival points in TT. Come Ash Wednesday, a similar “security net” will be put in place at the main “cool down” locations. “As of last night, shortly before Dimnache Gras, all entry points in to the city, along with San Fernando, Point Fortin and Gasparillo, have been demarcated no entry zones,” ACP Curtis Lloyd, in charge of Port-of-Spain, Western Division and Northeastern Division, told Newsday. “Until Carnival close-off time on Tuesday night, no vehicles except emergency and  those with  special authority or licences to be in the city will be allowed entry. “All others will be stopped at the entry point and its passengers told to walk into the city.
“All main points of entry will be heavily secured.”

According to the ACP, this is a part of the latest stringent crime-detection and prevention strategies taken by the police. “A similar plan is also being put in place at San Fernando, Point Fortin and to a lesser extent, Gasparillo. “The other mas playing areas also have their crime prevention plans. “Coupled with this will be the regular 24-hour ’round the clock mobile and foot patrol using police and soldiers.” ACP Lloyd was, however, careful to point out that while the main part of their focus will be checking for arms, ammunition and weapons, they will not be targeting only the deviants (bad behaved) of society. Anyone who commits a crime will feel the full weight of the law. “Our intention is to have masqueraders fully enjoy themselves free of any fear of being robbed or mugged. “Only legitimate persons will be allowed in the prohibited areas.” The Port-of-Spain net stretches from the lighthouse to Piccadilly Street, to Kadiz Road, to Marli Street, to Pole Carew Street, back to the Audrey

Jeffers highway and making its way back to the lighthouse. The top cop also promised that the situation does not stop there, but continues on Ash Wednesday at the annual “cool downs.” Th main points are Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas and Manzanilla. The ACP also commended patrons and organisers at Saturday’s Panorama final, which was incident-free. “I want to commend the public for their fantastic social  behaviour in giving a good show at the finals and putting the country in a good light.” He had similar commendations for the patrons at the Insomnia fete at MOBS 2, Chaguaramas where apart from one car being stolen, it was smooth and incident free.