Carnival 2003 the safest ever

POLICE COMMISSIONER Hilton Guy heaped praises on police officers and soldiers who worked during the Carnival season, as well as members of the public who heeded the call to support the fight against crime. He said they made Carnival 2003 the safest and happiest ever. Guy said the same effort will go into Carnival 2004.

Guy recalled that when he made a public prediction that Carnival 2003 would be the safest, even his senior officers were sceptical. However, he noted yesterday, he proved everyone wrong. The Commissioner and members of his executive held a press briefing yesterday to outline the success of Carnival.  He said 172 persons were arrested between Carnival Monday and Tuesday, including 44 persons for possession of narcotics, 82 for possession of offensive weapons, four for arms and ammunition, eight were for robbery related offences and four for woundings. In addition, 26 traffic tickets were issued. Guy said on Carnival Tuesday 29 persons were arrested. Two persons were held for possession of narcotics and narcotics apparatus. He said the high level of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and the visibility of police officers and soldiers contributed to the success of the anti-crime initiative.

He said officers who worked during the Carnival period are entitled to three days leave. Brigadier Ancil Antoine, Head of the Defence Force who was at the press briefing, said he was pleased that their joint efforts had resulted in a crime free Carnival. He said the time has come for the police and army to work as partners in the fight against crime.
“Without that partnership, crime will continue to flourish,” said Brigadier Antoine, who revealed that army officers will continue to receive training as they continue to interact with the public. The Brigadier was presented with a plaque in appreciation for the army’s support by Commissioner Guy.