Police urging patrons to be on their best behaviour

Partygoers who have decided to showcase their worst behaviour this Carnival will be firmly dealt with by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

This assurance came from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jonathan Nichols,{{more}} as he addressed a Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) press conference earlier this week.

Nichols, who is the head of the Public Relations Department of the local constabulary, said the police are not taking the security aspect of Vincy Mas lightly.

He said the Commissioner of Police, senior officers and all the ranks of the local constabulary view Vincy Mas as an event when persons have to be on their best behaviour.

“We are not taking things for granted. As in the past, we have pulled out the stops… It’s a time when we don’t allow members vacation leave. We are ensuring that we have the numbers to take care of the festival,” Nichols said.

While encouraging persons to have fun during Vincy Mas, he implored partygoers to do so in a good, clean way.

“Our presence is not to curtail your fun or hinder your enjoyment. Our presence is to ensure that you have fun in a safe environment. We will try to be as inconspicuous as possible, but very conspicuous when the occasion arises if you decide not to adhere to the policies, then we will have to step in and do what we have to do,” Nichols added.

He mentioned that the police will be continuing their stop and searches of persons and vehicles coming into Kingstown throughout the Carnival season.

“The warning is clear. Anyone found in contravention of the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines, there is no guarantee that when you are caught you will be out. I think I can put my head on the block and say that you will be confined for the rest of the festival. Be very careful,” Nichols warned.

He also took the time to urge persons to secure their wallets, handbags and avoid walking with excessive cash and jewellery.

Further, Nichols reminded persons of the ‘no glass bottle’ policy, which is in effect during Carnival.(KW)