The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force says it will be doing all that is necessary to ensure that the activities for this year’s independence season will be violence free.
The World Creole Music Festival carded for the 25th-27th of October will be three nights of pulsating rhythms allowing patrons to enjoy various musical genres.
On Monday a press conference was held by the police force to inform citizens of measures which will be taken to ensure the smooth running of the three nights.
Superintendent of Police, Richmond Valentine, stated that for effective management of security for the World Creole Music Festival the venues are divided into zones.
“All the zones will be supervised by a senior police officer who will be assigned as the ground commander. Three of the entry gates to the venue are located on Bathe Road which is on the western side of the stadium, while the other entry gates will be one the Riverside end. The main entrance to the venue will be on Bath Road. The VIP entrance and the entrance to service providers will be on the Riverside end. The entrance for dignitaries and artists will be on Bath Road close to the Digicel building. Patrons will present a valid ticket at the entrance where it will be scanned prior to entry into the venue,” Valentine noted.
Superintendent Valentine made it abundantly clear that persons entering the WCMF compound with weapons will not be allowed entry.
“Persons entering the venue will not be allowed entry if they are found carrying weapons of any kind. Licensed firearm holders will not be allowed entry into the venue with their firearms,” the Superintendent stated.
He explained fully traffic measures which will be taken on the three nights to ensure proper flow of traffic in the town.
“No entry signs will be placed at the following locations on Bath Road at the junction of Cork Street and that is close to Digicel building. At the intersection of River Street and Bath Road is closed to the link bridge. And at the intersection of Independence Street and Kennedy Avenue is closed to Burtons. There shall be parking on Bath Road between Cork Street and River Street. Provisions will be made for residents in that area. No parking along the Link Road between Valley Road and Elms Hall Junction and Bath Road. No parking along Valley Road between Bath Road and the building of Josephine Gabriel and Company Limited,” Valentine added.
One of the other major events which will be held this week is the flow creole in the park. This event will take place from the 22nd of October to the 24th at the Botanic Gardens.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Leanna Edwards explained some of the traffic measures that has been put in place for the duration of the event.
“Motorists will not be permitted to travel in an easterly direction from Bath Road and Valley Road. Motorists will not be permitted to travel in a westerly direction from the intersection of Valley Road and Elms Hall Road. However, local access will be permitted to Josephine Gabriel and Company. The Morne Prosper/Wotten Waven bus stop will be temporarily relocated on Bath Road between Virgin Lane and King George V Street, opposite to the Convent Preparatory School. Motorists will not be permitted to drive in an easterly direction from Bath Road unto Boyd’s Avenue. Motorists will not be permitted to access the Botanic Gardens except for local access for individuals working at the offices within the Botanic Gardens. For the duration of the event, motorists to and from Bath Estate, the Roseau Valley and Elms Hall are to utilize the Link Road,” Edwards explained.
Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, Superintendent Davidson Valerie, says the department will be proactive in its efforts to minimize and occurrences of criminal activities in the city and surrounding communities.
He further called on citizens to secure their homes before leaving their properties.
“All officers of the department will be deployed. There shall be increased foot and mobile patrols in and around the city. We will increase our response teams to deal effectively and efficiently with complaints that are presented to us. We at the CID seek the cooperation and collaboration of members of the public to assist us in providing the safety and security of all citizens, residents, and visitors during the season. As such we employ you, please report all suspicious activities in relation to crime and violence that you may be made aware of,” Officer Valerie stated.