A Venue Operation Center will be established at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and will be manned by several senior officials from various institutions to serve patrons who may require assistance during the staging of the 25th Edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
This was according to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alleyne Maximea, who was addressing a press conference this week.
“On the site of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, a Venue Operation Center will be manned by a number of senior officials from various institutions to include the Discover Dominica Authority,” he said. “ A police command center will also be established and located at the Volcanoes’ office on the ground floor of the Clem John and Kelleb Laurent stand.”
He continued, “ This is to allow for patrons who require assistance from the police.”
Additionally, Maximea said the Windsor Park Sports Stadium venue for the festival has been demarcated into three zones.
“ Zone 1, which is all the entry and exit gates, in and out of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. Zone 2, which comprises of the media center, party area, stage area, and the backstage [and] Zone 3 grounds are the front stage and players’ pavilion.”
He said entry into those areas will only be allowed to individuals having the relevant passes.
“Ensure that you have the right pass for the right zone,” he advised.
Maximea went on to add that there will be four pre-screening areas set up at Hillsborough Street, Bath Road, and Cork Street, Kennedy Avenue, and River Street.
“The officers at the pre-screening points will be briefed to allow only individuals with tickets or the accreditation to enter through the security barriers,” he explained.
He added, “We are asking that all patrons have your tickets or accreditation in hand to present to the searchers when required to do so.”
Patrons are being reminded to ensure that they are at the correct gate before joining the queue.
“This will expedite the processing time at the various entrances,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Maximea warns patrons that no prohibited items are allowed into the venue.
“Firearms, of course, firearms, and ammunition. And that is even if the person in possession of those firearms is a licensed firearm user,” he remarked. “ Therefore, the police are urging all firearm users to secure your firearms before coming to the park. In simple words, do not come to the park with your firearm.”
He stressed that illegal drugs will also be prohibited.
Knives, weapons, cutlasses, scissors, ice picks, cigarette lighters, and any other item that can be deemed as offensive weapons,” Maximea warned. “People, please leave all weapons at home. Avoid the embarrassment. Avoid the hassle, or what you may deem hassle.”
Additionally, Maximea said a number of police officers have been detailed to secure the entrances and exits to the festival grounds, to control traffic in the City of Roseau, and in the immediate vicinity of the venue to prevent any traffic obstruction, and to perform foot and mobile patrol duties island-wide for the duration of the festivities.
Meanwhile, the police said that, thus far, no serious incidents have been reported for this year’s independence celebrations.
Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.
We will delete comments that:
See our full comment/user policy/agreement.