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With hours to go before India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his two-day visit to TT, police say the public can expect increased security across the country including at the airport and in the capital city.
Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) Junior Benjamin, who is the gold commander for Modi’s visit, explained a multi-agency approach has been taken as he sought to explain the some of the measures.
Although he was limited in what he could reveal, Benjamin explained the considerations included the traffic at the time of Modi’s arrival.
Modi is set to land at the Piarco International Airport at around 3.45 pm on Air India One, the US$980 million Boeing 777 used by the country’s prime minister, president and vice president.
“We have put things in place to ensure that, for example, the traffic flow around the time of his arrival and departure, as well as the areas that he ought to traverse, is also considered.
“We reduced the traffic flow because we ask for schools to be dismissed early and government places as well so that at those times person traversing the streets should not cause any problems.”
Asked if there were any specific threats that warranted the decision to minimise traffic flow and close schools early, Benjamin said he was unable to address that, but added security arrangements for visiting state officials are determined on a case-by-case basis.
“We look at the risk factors, (including) the person and what has been happening within their country of their origin, and even here, if there may be any possible threats.”
Benjamin noted that given Modi’s high international profile, TT will be on display and said police are doing their best to ensure the country is seen in a positive light.
He added security arrangements of this nature are not necessarily about current threats, but also about anticipating risks.
Benjamin said this is why other security agencies are also included in the planning.
“We have beefed up security both in the airport and all the areas even on the street and also in the venues that he will be attending.”
“This is really much more than just the police, this is understanding that this is TT that will be on show and therefore we are taking a multi-agency approach in dealing with this to ensure safety and security at its highest level, especially where it’s concerned in this matter.”
He explained there have been numerous meetings, some with international allies, to ensure security arrangements are up to par.
“There have been intense meetings, from (Ministry of) Foreign Affairs to security personnel from both countries. So there is a multifaceted and holistic approach towards this particular visit.”
He warned traffic and parking restrictions will be in place and said a wrecker will be operational to remove any cars that violate the restrictions.
“You’re going to, especially at particular times, be inconvenienced for a while because we want to ensure safety and security, and therefore you’re going to see heightened presence and some disruption. “We are asking people to comply with the instructions of the police and other law enforcement personnel that you would see on the road and at the end of the day understand that we want to ensure safety and security at that highest level for this visit.”
Between 10 pm July 2 and 10 pm on July 4, parking is prohibited on Dock Road, Post Office Road, and the western side of the northbound carriageway of Wrightson Road, between South Quay and Dock Road.
From 4 am to 2 pm on July 4, parking will also be restricted on certain streets in Port of Spain.
The St Ann’s taxi stand will be relocated from Hart Street to Queen Street between Frederick Street and Abercromby Street while the St James taxi stand will be moved from Hart Street to the northern side of Independence Square North between Frederick and Henry Street.
Parking restrictions in PoS July 4 from 4 am – 2 pm
St Vincent Street between Gordon Street and Independence Square North
Sackville Street between Wrightson Road and St Vincent Street
Abercromby Street between Independence Square North and Park Street
Knox Street between Abercromby Street and Frederick Street
Duke Street between Frederick Street and Wrightson Road
Queen Street between Frederick Street and Abercromby Street
Hart Street
Cipriani Boulevard
Chancery Lane
Colville Street
Circular Road
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