Dottin calls for good conduct, promises tight security

DARWIN DOTTIN, Commissioner of Police, wants Barbadians and visitors alike to have a great time this last-lap weekend of the Crop-Over Festival.But that is only half of his wish. He also wants them to be on their best behaviour.“I am asking revellers to enjoy themselves but be on their best behaviour. Large crowds are expected and so, public safety is of the utmost importance,” Dottin said. “I know they (revellers) would drink but I believe they should drink sensibly and exercise moderation, because most of the security problems we have had, particularly during late afternoon, are attributed to overindulgence [in] alcohol,” he said. Dottin also sent a word of warning to those who are bent on illegally entering bands on parade along the streets, saying they would feel the weight of the law under the Public Order Act. “Unlawful entry into bands, use of threatening words or behaviour for the purpose of entering into bands is punishable by a fine of $5 000 or imprisonment for six months or both.”Dottin said hundreds of officers along with support from the Barbados Defence Force and in some cases private security personnel will be deployed to police public events.He also addressed the issue of some bands complaining of reaching the Spring Garden destination too soon.But he said the force’s plan was for all revellers and bands to reach Spring Garden before nightfall, noting that “marshalling and co-ordination will be a key aspect of the security exercise.”