A low threat assessment has given police confidence ahead of Independence Day celebrations, with hundreds of officers deployed and strict traffic and parking restrictions in place, while Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo prepares to lead the parade.
Ahead of the nation’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro said the Police Service is confident in its security arrangements following a recent threat assessment.
“We just recently concluded our threat assessment, and it has revealed a very low threshold, so thus we are comfortable with hosting this event. The posture of the TTPS for this entire Independence Day celebration is one of professionalism, visibility and facilitation, and thus I want to reassure the public that this is one celebration where we are coming together as one unity for one country.”
To support that effort, he said 222 officers will be assigned to the parade, with more than 400 others deployed for contingency and support roles.
“We have 222 officers set for the parade, and we have over 400 officers set for contingency matters and supporting resource roles. In speaking about the supporting resource roles, we have placed personnel at both the ceremonial parade along the route as well as for the cultural event within the evening.”
With large crowds expected, the Commissioner is also reminding the public of the parking and traffic restrictions outlined in Legal Notice 671 for the Independence Day parade, while Legal Notice 667 covers restrictions for the CPL match taking place on the same day.
Parking within the Queen’s Park Savannah will be completely restricted from 6am until 2am, with police officers managing traffic and directing motorists.
“We are looking at a complete lock-off of parking within the Savannah from 6am until 2am, so that is an indication to members of the public that the Savannah is off-limits for that entire period. We have also instituted particular traffic management which would be manned by the officers who are on the ground, so we urge the members of the public to also pay close attention to the instructions and directions that are given by the uniformed police officers.”
Public Affairs Officer at Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Lieutenant Commander Sherron Manswell said this year’s parade will feature Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo serving as Parade Commander.
“Over the years we’ve had the Parade Commanders be from the formations of the Defence Force, but this year the Chief of Defence Staff will lead the parade. That is Commodore Don Polo. He will be the Parade Commander for this year’s parade, and he will, of course, pay his compliments to Her Excellency as part of the remit of the Parade Commander, and she will, of course, inspect the parade as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
As the country prepares to mark 64 years of independence, the public is being encouraged to come out, celebrate with pride and unity, and do so safely and responsibly.