On Kadooment Day special attention will be given to certain areas along the jump route that traditionally require heightened monitoring, including Eagle Hall Junction, Black Rock Main Road and Holders Land, Brandons, St Michael.
The heightened security as well as crowd encroachment were among the concerns coming out of a meeting yesterday between the Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force. They are “collaborating on an extensive security plan aimed at providing a safe environment for patrons, revellers, residents, businesses, vendors and other participants” during the climax of the Crop Over Festival.
A release following the Crop Over security services briefing at the Prince Cave Hall, District “A” Police Station, noted that the security arrangements will cover the major last-lap events – Foreday Mornin’ Jam on August 1 and Grand Kadooment August 3.
The briefing was conducted by Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce; special adviser to the Commissioner, Senior Superintendent Wayne Archer; Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Captain (Naval) Mark Peterson; and BDF staff officer operations and training Jamal Samrodia.
Drone and CCTV surveillance
The joint operation will include drone and CCTV surveillance, high-visibility patrols, checkpoint screening, traffic diversion and road closures, crowd monitoring, rapid response teams, medical support and evacuation arrangements. BDF personnel will also provide tactical support to the Police Tactical Response Unit.
The areas of the security plan are road safety and traffic management, crowd safety and public order, prevention of anti-social behaviour, vendor and participant safety, and emergency response readiness.
“Security personnel were also reminded that bands will pass through areas where people live and operate businesses. Residents and business owners who are issued passes should be allowed access to their homes and premises, and officers and support personnel were urged to exercise discretion where appropriate,” the release stated.
Thirty-two bands are registered for Foreday Mornin’, which will start at Queen’s Park and end on the Mighty Grynner Highway. Nineteen bands are registered for Grand Kadooment, which will start in the area of the helipad and also end on the
Mighty Grynner Highway. The largest Grand Kadooment band is expected to comprise about 2 200 revellers.
“The Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force are encouraging members of the public to cooperate with officers and security personnel, observe traffic directions and road closures, arrive early where possible and report suspicious activity.” ( AC/PR)