Popular beach "cool downs" held traditionally on Ash Wednesday will no longer be permitted. This, according to acting Assistant Police Commissioner in charge of Community Relations Margaret Sampson-Browne. She said what would instead be allowed were people "simply going to the beaches to relax." And the police, the senior cop said, would also be out in full force, conducting roadblocks and being on the alert for drunk drivers and people using cellphones while driving. According to Sampson-Browne, the traditional "cool downs" which were equivalent to "beach fetes" encouraged fights and, in some instances, lewd and licentious behaviour.
"We cannot stop people from going to the beaches and enjoying themselves, but definitely there would be no "cool downs" especially at Manzanilla," she said. "Manzanilla "cool down" does not exist. The executive which I am a part of are not approving any beach fights and disorderly conduct of any kind," Sampson-Browne said. She said plans had already put in place by Eastern Division officers to use soldiers to assist in patrols at the various beaches along the eastern coast. Maracas beach, Sampson-Browne said, would be more of "a tourist attraction" where people would go to partake in local delicacies while enjoying sand and sun.
"We are concentrating on additional resources at Maracas to be able to stem the traffic," she said. "Officers would also be vigilant for all illegal activities like drug and firearms possession" Sampson-Browne said. People who chose to camp at the beaches instead of being involved in Carnival were urged to go to the police stations to provide information regarding their whereabouts. "We want to make a special appeal to beachgoers to be careful and let the police know where you are staying," she said.
"We have had some drownings and people must be wary about the amount of alcohol they consume."