After two weeks of quarantine following his return from holiday, Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, will be back in office on Thursday.
According to the TTPS, his first order of business will be to ensure that people adhere to the latest Public Health Ordinance Regulations. He plans to visit those high visibility areas such as beaches and bars where people continue to gather in very large numbers.
The CoP noticed that citizens have become relaxed with the reduced Covid-19 positive cases, and despite pleas and warnings, a large number of people still do not wear masks in public. He said it came to his attention that thousands of persons converged on beaches throughout the country last weekend and the cry was the same – NO MASKS.
“It is not that I am going after people and giving them tickets where the fine is $1,000. But they must be responsible at this time as two of the measures to prevent the spread of the virus are to wear your mask and maintain social distancing. That was not the case last weekend,” the CoP added.
Commissioner Griffith said it was brought to his attention that thousands visited Maracas Beach last weekend and not one ticket was issued although reports revealed that many persons were not wearing masks nor maintaining social distancing.
The CoP has noted numerous social media posts showing many people not wearing masks in public as well as large groups congregating outside bars particularly in the St James, Woodbrook, and Carenage areas. Within the past two months, 1,573 tickets were issued and 78 persons arrested for beaching the Public Health Ordinance Regulations in the nine Police Divisions. Of this number, 1,058 tickets were issued in Eastern Division and 37 persons arrested. The CoP hopes that the other Divisions would be as consistent as Eastern with the law enforcement of the regulations.
Commissioner Griffith is appealing to citizens to assist in this regard. “If you see large groups assembling for the purpose of drinking outside of bars and consistently not wearing their masks, do not hesitate to WhatsApp 482-GARY or call 999. People need to observe the laws. The virus has not gone away. The TTPS will continue to do what it has to do. At the same time, we need the help of the public – if you see something, say something!”
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