19 hours ago
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Senior Reporter
From crime prevention to counterfeit currency and beach safety, authorities say the Carnival long weekend will be closely monitored and those who break the law should expect consequences.
The warning came from Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge during a media conference at the National Carnival Commission’s VIP Lounge at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
With the Parade of the Bands just days away, Alexander said security forces are prepared.
“For those who intend, again, to break the law, the consequences is yours to bear,” he warned.
Sturge reinforced that message, cautioning that offenders could spend the holiday behind bars.
“Those who wish to misbehave, we are prepared for you, and you have a choice, you either behave yourself and enjoy the merriment or we can provide, over the long weekend, state-funded accommodations and I don’t think the meals are great.”
Both ministers said the Government wants citizens to celebrate, but within the law.
Alexander noted that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service will be deployed in large numbers, supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. According to Sturge, the TTDF is back to full operational strength and will be working alongside the Inter-Agency Task Force.
Alexander directed a warning to gang members, saying law enforcement officers are there to protect law-abiding citizens.
“The police officers, accompanied by members of the Defence Force, they are not here to stifle the rivalry. They must be seen as a protective mechanism designed to provide just that—protection for all.”
Authorities are also urging vigilance over counterfeit currency circulating during the busy season.
“We are seeing some false currencies floating around. So those who purchasing and those who getting change, we ask you to pay attention to the money. Examine it more closely. And if you’re in doubt, do not accept,” Alexander said.
Meanwhile, Sturge said Cabinet on Thursday approved the expansion of lifeguard services to selected previously unmanned beaches, though he did not provide figures on the increase in manpower.
The move follows growing numbers of people visiting coastal sites and the recent drowning of 17-year-old Gabriel Nelson at Grand Lagoon.
Beaches identified for expanded coverage include Grand Lagoon, Bonnasse Point, Balandra Bay and Tyrico Bay, as well as areas along the Mayaro coastline.
Sturge said lifeguard reserves were called out from Thursday through next week. He said additional support has been provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, with smaller naval assets deployed to patrol eastern and southeastern waters, including Moruga. Three jet skis were also acquired to assist along the Mayaro coast.
Despite the added resources, the Defence Minister urged caution, particularly for those mixing alcohol with swimming.
“It’ not just merriment, it’s mayhem. Alcohol will impair your judgement, alcohol will make you do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. And you might want to be a hero and then you lose your life in the process.”
He added, “Although there’ll be an increase in the number of life guards and we’ll have assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and we’ll have jet skis and patrols and all that, we beg that you, nonetheless, those of you who go to the beach, practice water safety. Because when a current pulls you under, if the jet ski doesn’t get to you in two minutes or three minutes max, what is a search and rescue would become a retrieval.”
Sturge also warned against isolating oneself in remote areas.
“If you are alone away from the crowd, you expose yourself to robbery, perhaps rape, perhaps worse.”
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin encouraged citizens to patronise Carnival events at the Queen’s Park Savannah, including the Flava Food Village, where Machel Montano gave a free concert last night.
She said the initiative is part of Government’s efforts to keep Carnival accessible to all, noting that more than 300,000 people have already visited the Savannah this season.
She said Dimanche Gras, scheduled for tomorrow, will honour cultural icon Mighty Sparrow, widely known as the Calypso King of the World. The North Stand will be free to patrons for that event, as well as on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, when spectator turnout is traditionally lower.
English (US) ·