Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley said violence can mar the enjoyment of Carnival activities and is calling on the General Public to continue their support of the police to fight crime.
Commissioner Queeley told a Freedom Fm audience on Saturday that the Security Forces will be out in full strength for Sugar Mas 45 and is imploring the public to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
“We want patrons and businesses alike to recognize that Carnival is instrumental to the development of the country as a whole because there are persons who return specifically for the occasion and invite friends, and violence can affect the enjoyment of Carnival as a whole” the COP asserted.
Queeley further referenced the recent spate of robberies and shooting incidents saying just as in other years, we have seen an increase in home invasions and robberies and asked homeowners in particular to take advantage of the Government’s offer for duty free on home electronic surveillance systems, which are duty free up to December 31, 2017.
Queeley urged private and business sector entities to take advantage of this offer.
Targeting the Carnival activities specifically the street parades and nightly shows, the COP called for a “no glass policy” to eliminate the use of bottles as missiles. He further said police will take drastic measures to enforce this policy.
Queeley also called on licensed firearm owners not to carry their weapons into Carnival Village, as they would be rigidly enforced.
Queeley appealed to the General Public to set the tone for a crime free Carnival, but assured that the Security Forced will be out in their numbers.