By L. K. Hewlett
There will be no congregating of persons in the vicinity of Warner Park during the Music Festival, announced the Music Festival Security Sub committee, at a press conference on Monday.
“As is the norm, security will be tight for the Music Festival because we want to have an incident free event,” said Superintendent Ian Queely. “With the change in venue, there arises new and varying challenges and we have to make some adjustments in the deployment of our forces. The ultimate goal is to make sure that people are safe at the Festival.”
Queely explained that upon entering the stadium, persons would be screened by both walk-through and hand-held metal detectors.
He said the ‘no re-admittance’ rule will still be in effect this year and to aid in this, tickets will be bar-coded to prevent re-use.
Queely said that all drinks would be sold in plastic cups instead of bottles, which could be used as missiles or weapons.
Queely guaranteed that festival fans would enjoy a safe event.
“This year we brought on board Inspector James Warner of the Fire and Rescue Services because it is important that we look at safety and security not in isolation but as a whole. With regard to security, all persons coming into the grounds will be checked at the entrances. We expect everyone to comply with the security directions to ensure that persons with criminal intent do not gain entrance to mar the event,” he said.
Queely said they recognised that their resources would be stretched so they had recruited assistance from local security companies.
These security persons would be utilised mainly in the VIP and corporate box areas. He said anyone caught engaging in illegal activities of any kind would be dealt with forthwith. He also noted that the Drug Squad would be present and there existed the possibility of them having the drug squad canines along as well. There will also be plain-clothed officers and police in unmarked vehicles patrolling the event and surrounding areas.
Inspector Venetta Wyatt of the Traffic Department cautioned travellers to follow directions given with regard to parking. She outlined the parking scheme for the nights of the festival, along with which roads would be blocked during that time.
“The Basseterre High School playing field will be used for parking on the nights of the festival. There will be no parking on Lozac Road, East Park Range, and along with no parking, there will only be northerly flow of traffic on Victoria Road,” Wyatt said. “We are better manned this year. There will be adequate lighting and security at the designated parking area. Should the playing field become filled to capacity, patrons will be able to park at Port Zante and security would be provided there as well. The blocks on the roads designated would go into effect at 5pm on each of the four evenings of the festival. Persons living on these roads will be able to park on nearby streets.”
She said the area around the Gas station on Victoria Road would be used for taxis and vendors would be located on the Lozac Road sidewalk, opposite to the Indian Restaurant. Sponsors and VIP would be allowed to use the parking area inside Warner Park, and the BHS yard infront of the auditorium. She urged persons to abide by normal traffic laws and to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
Inspector James Walters of the Fire and Rescue Department gave assurance that along with the presence of ambulances and Emergency Medical Service personnel, other measures were going to be in place for medical emergencies.
“The safety and movement of the general public during events of the magnitude of the Music Festival has become an increasing concern with the Fire and Rescue Services. In this regard their physical presence will be seen on every night of the event. We have made certain that adequate and appropriate exits are in place and a clear ambulance route exists from the venue to the hospital,” he said.
Walters noted that the Red Cross would be housed in a tent at the park for onsite emergencies as well. He said exits were of international standards, clearly marked and easily identified, with periodic announcements of their location being made during the show.
The committee said the low park walls would be reinforced with wires to prevent intruders and additional lights would be put in place for security.
The Sub committee encouraged persons to comply with the rules and regulations for their own safety and enjoyment, saying they were sure the event would be ‘safe and tranquil’
