CoP to monitor virtual Carnival events

Home*Cover Story*News

CoP to monitor virtual Carnival events

Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, says the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) will have an active presence at virtual Carnival events put on by the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters’ Association (TTPA).

Commissioner Griffith said his position was set when he met with the Executive of the TTPA today to discuss various concerns arising out of the ‘new normal’ it relates to COVID-19 and the creative/entertainment industry.

According to the TTPS the meeting was held at the Police Administration Building, Port-of- Spain.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ag), Joanne Archie, Head – Legal Unit of the TTPS, Mr. Christian Chandler, Ms. Paige De Leon, advocate of the TTPA, and Mr. Derek Douragh, treasurer of the TTPA.

Among the issues discussed was the concerns raised over social media about the Sekon Sunday virtual event which was held at Queen’s Hall over the weekend.

CoP Griffith said that the TTPS is exercising an element of “flexibility,” and will be working very closely with the TTPA to ensure compliance of the Public Health Ordinance.
While the CoP is welcoming virtual events, he asserts that there “must be a degree of control and no breaches of the Public Health Ordinance.”

President of the TTPA, Mr. Jerome Precilla, agreed with Commissioner Griffith TTPA and said that the Association intends to advise its membership to adhere to protocols and guidelines implemented by the Government.

The CoP revealed that once he is informed of the Association’s virtual events, there will be an active police presence to monitor the
proceedings and to ensure compliance of the Public Health Regulations.

This partnership, he outlined, will see to the avoidance of breaches, such as congregating and failing to wear mask.

The CoP said the presence of police officers at any event will act as a greater deterrent to law-breaking than security guards.

 

COMMENTS

WORDPRESS: 0
DISQUS: 0