The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has put arrangements in place to prevent traffic congestion in the city of Roseau during the staging of the 23rd edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) scheduled for October 27 to 29.
Superintendent in charge of Central Division Belgrove Charles presented the traffic rules and regulations during a press briefing held at the Police Headquarters this week.
A number of areas have been designated as no parking from 6 p.m. on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28 and from 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 29. That arrangement will remain in place until 6 a.m. the following morning.
“There will be absolutely no parking on either side of Valley Road from the intersection with Boyd Avenue, that is opposite the northwestern gate of the [Botanic] gardens to Bath Road,” he said. “There should be no parking on either side of River Street from the link road bridge to the Bath Estate Bridge.”
According to Charles, that is the portion of road on the north side of the Windsor Sports Stadium.
“No parking on either side of Bath Road from the junction with Kingshill and Morne Bruce Road to the Botanic Gardens south-western gate.”
He added, “No parking on the southern side of the Riverside Apartments from the junction of Goodwill Road to the area immediately for the car park.”
Furthermore, Charles said there should be no parking around the roundabout on the link road.
“No parking on either side of Kennedy Avenue from its intersection with Independence Street to Bath Road,” he stated.
However, he pointed out that parking will be permitted on the designated date on the north and southern side of Rose Street, from the Link Road Bridge to Murphy’s Lane.
“Parking will also be permitted on the Western side of the Elmshall Road from the junction with Valley Road and the Botanic Gardens,” Charles stated.
He mentioned further that parking will be permitted on the northern side of Valley Road from the Josephine Gabriel building to the junction of Valley Road and River Street.
Charles warns that there will be no entry from a portion of Bath Road from its junction to Cork Street.
Charles said individuals who own vehicles and are residents of that area will be permitted to access that area.
“No entry on Kennedy Avenue from its junction with Independence Street,” he stated. “No entry on Bath Road from its junction with River Street.”
In terms of diversion, Charles indicated that motorists traveling north along Bath Road will divert west along Cork Street, while motorists traveling south along the new Link Road Bridge will turn east or west along River Street.
“Motorists traveling south along Independence Street will travel west along Hillsborough Street,” he explained.
He further warned that absolutely no double parking will be permitted on any road in the city.
In regards to vending, he said no vending will be permitted on Bath Road from Cork Street to River Street.
“There will be no vending on that portion of road of Kennedy Avenue from Bath Road to Independence Street and on the portion of road from Hillsborough Street, from Bath Road to Independence Street,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief of Police Davidson Valerie said the main entry points for the WCMF are on Bath Road, opposite the Government Headquarters Building, for regular ticket holders, and for the VVIP on the riverside.
He stated a venue operation centre will be established at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and manned by a number of senior officials from various institutions to include, the Dominica Festivals Committee.
A police command centre also will be established and located at the Volcanoes office on the ground floor of the Clem John and Celeb Laurent stand.
“This is to allow for patrons who require assistance from the police,” Valerie revealed. “The venue has been divided into three zones.”
He pointed out that the ground commander will be assisted by a superintendent of police.
“He will be assisted by inspectors and a team of police officers, private security, and volunteers,” Valerie explained. “Search teams at the various entrances have been briefed to allow only individuals with tickets or accreditations to enter through the security barriers.”
He indicated that the officers will ensure that no prohibited items are allowed in the venue.
Valerie said this includes firearms, and ammunition, “even if you are the owner of a licensed firearm.”
“Which means, therefore, you must secure your firearm before going to the venue,” he advised.
Furthermore, he warned that there should be no illegal drugs permitted at the venue.
Valerie also warned that no knives, cutlasses, scissors, ice picks, cigarettes, lighters, or any other such items deemed to be offensive are allowed at the venue.
These are all “jobless” folks. They only show up in order to have a pay check. But what is it they really do? Sitting with folded arms and sitting in awkward posture. Their main job title should be Security Guard. In reality that’s what they are.