Police are expected to be out in full force for this year’s Carnival in Chaguanas.
This was confirmed by ASP Richard Smith as he spoke with bandleaders at the Chaguanas Borough Administrative Complex on Tuesday night during a meeting with the police and the Chaguanas Carnival Committee (CCC).
Smith said random searches would be conducted and uniformed and plainclothes officers, would be out during celebrations.
He said the police would be assisted by Traffic Wardens and the Municipal Police.
Smith said the police would also adopt a zero-tolerance approach.
He said the Magistrates’ Court would be closed for the two-day revelry. It reopens on Ash Wednesday.
However, he assured that there were enough holding cells across the division to detain troublemakers.
Bandleaders who were concerned about vehicle passes were advised by Smith that applications coulc be processed in Chaguanas and then taken to San Fernando for approval.
Chairman of CCC Orlando Nagessar said he would be requesting that bars lower the volume of music being played when bands are crossing the judging area at Ramsaran Street.
Bandleader Greg Deonarinesingh, of iCandy J’Ouvert, complained that his band was not given enough time before the judges.
Deonarinesingh said he also felt slighted when announcers chose to mispronounce the name of his band calling the portrayal Candy J’Ouvert.
Flavio Goodrich of Red Army J’Ouvert said he was happy with the response of the police.
Goodrich said the issuance of permits and security along the route was a major concern.
He said he was happy to hear that bars would be regulated.