Gibbs boasts of safe Carnival

Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs announced that the controversial $900,000 ultra light aircraft was indeed used as part of the police initiatives to combat crime during this year’s Carnival celebrations. During a walkabout on the streets of San Fernando yesterday, Gibbs said the plane was in its evaluation phase and was being used for mobile patrol. The commissioner visited San Fernando mayor Marlene Coudray, along with his entourage, including his deputy Jack Ewatski, DCP Mervyn Richardson and ACP Fitzroy Frederick.
“Yes, we have had it up,” Gibbs said.  

“Again this is the evaluation phase for us and we have looked at it as a mobile patrol unit—basically a free car in the sky—to help us respond to calls quickly. “In any occurrences that might take place, they are there to respond and protect our officers in the night. “It is very important for our safety and the safety of the public. “We are looking forward to see how this evaluation goes to see where we go from here.”

Gibbs strolled along Skinner Park and Cipero Street and was treated like a celebrity with many masqueraders stopping to have their picture taken with him. Despite the many calls for him to pack his bags and go, Gibbs said people had certainly been friendly wherever he went and that they shared a solidarity in fighting crime. He lauded the public, saying that crime for Carnival was on the low. “Well, Carnival this year has actually been very good...We have not had a lot of incidents that caused us a lot of concerns,” Gibbs said.

“In terms of here, Port-of-Spain and Tobago—where we have all been—people have been very responsible coming out, revelling and having fun. “There has not been too much getting out of hand and too much excessive drinking. “So we want to thank the public for that because we know that make its more pleasant for everybody in people getting out of hand.” Commenting on the appraisal given by the Police Service Commission, he said that was something personal between the body and himself.