A day after the police claimed they had insufficient strength to man Carnival fetes at Petrotrin and Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Sunday, they have had a change a heart. Yesterday, the promoters renewed their application for licences for the fete, which were granted, after the police were able to source manpower.
Court prosecutor Ramdath Phillip said five police officers, a corporal and four constables will be provided for the Petrotrin fete. Deputy Chief Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan granted the occasional liquor and dance hall licences but commented: "This is the smallest strength for any function that has come before this court for any period."
He also noted that the promoters, through attorney Brian Nedd, had indicated that Petrotrin had its own security, but this was rebutted by the police. Agreeing with the magistrate, court prosecutor Ramdath Phillip said after discussions with senior officers, a decision was taken to grant the application. He said measures would be put in place to have police officers present at the fete.
The magistrate said: "You do realise that this an absolutely different position from yesterday," noting that the police said they could not accommodate the fete. Phillip also indicated that eight fire officers would be on duty at the event. Permission was granted to promoters Ravi Rampersad and Cyril Coolman to hold the fete from 9 pm tomorrow to 3 am on Carnival Monday, at Petrotrin Pointe-a-Pierre Club
With regards to the Carnival cooler fete at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, Phillip said 30 policemen were assigned, including one inspector, one sergeant, three corporals and 25 constables. Phillip indicated that if the Southern Division was unable to supplement the strength, they would source strength from other divisions.