The National Security Minister has met with the Police Commissioner and other stakeholders to discuss Carnival safety and security.

One of the matters raised was the recent murder of a worker hired by the NCC to help build booths around the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said he previously met with contractors and the State agencies that hire them, during which time concerns were expressed about extortion attempts by alleged gang members.

He said measures have been put in place to deal with all aspects of crimes, with NCC construction sites and event venues to be given similar attention.

The TTPS also gave assurances, as it “re-emphasised its collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the Municipal Police, alongside its specialised units such as the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the Central Intelligence Department (CID), and the Anti-Gang Units. These units conduct joint patrols to deal with potential threats and enhance physical and roadway security presence, with particular focus on Carnival 2024 events.”

The National Security Ministry also stated that standardised procedures for hosting all events based on Health, Safety, Security, and the Environment procedures and guidelines are to be observed, with the TTPS to work alongside the Fire Service and the Environmental Management Authority in this regard.

All stakeholders have also agreed to host weekly meetings in the run-up to Carnival, in addition to monitoring CCTV platforms at various event sites to ensure the safety and security of persons during this period and onward.

Among those attending the meeting on Monday were Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell, Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne, representatives of the National Carnival Commission; representatives from the Police Service, and representatives from the T&T Promoters Association.

(Featured Photo: TTPS)