The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s Tobago Division has declared its readiness to ensure safety and security during this weekend’s Tobago Carnival.
The assurance came from senior police officials during a media conference on Thursday, as they emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to illegal activities during the festivities from October 24th to 26th.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Oswain Subero told reporters that robust enforcement measures will be in place throughout the festivities.
“Our officers will be strategically deployed across the island with increased visibility in entertainment zones and key routes and points. Special attention has been given to traffic management, crowd control, and intelligence-led policing, ensuring swift response to any emerging issues. We will also maintain a strict enforcement of the law to maintain public safety and order.”
Senior Superintendent Earl Elie stated that the TTPS is anticipating this fourth edition of Tobago Carnival to be the largest one yet.
“On Caribbean Airlines alone, we have approximately 23,000 persons expected to arrive for the Carnival, and that doesn’t include the ferry service, for which we expect another similar number of persons to come for this festivity.”
He acknowledged that police numbers were insufficient during last year’s Tobago Carnival and, as a result, the TTPS will significantly increase its presence to ensure improved coverage and public safety.
“We anticipate that this Carnival will also be incident-free because we have the support of officers from Trinidad. We have in excess of 150 officers coming from Trinidad to lend a hand in Tobago. We also have a very large contingent from the Defence Force to give us the assistance that we need, so we anticipate a safe and secure Carnival.”
The Police Service also reported that all activities held on the island so far have been incident-free.