Indian bomb squad sweeping stadium - Minister Rohee
- local police team departs shortly to assist Barbados ' security forces
Kaieteur News
March 29, 2007
Security at the National Stadium at Providence has been boosted with an eight-member team from India 's bomb disposal unit conducting bomb-sweeping.
“As part of the regional security arrangements, the Indian squad has swept the Stadium area and will continue to assist the local bomb disposal unit during the matches. There are also two canine handlers from Trinidad & Tobago in the country,” Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said.
Speaking to members of the media yesterday, Minister Rohee expressed satisfaction with the local law enforcement agencies' security arrangements to ensure a safe and secure environment.
“This will be a test for our security forces, and I am confident that they will do us proud. We have this under control,” Minister Rohee assured.
The Minister announced that Guyana will be sending a security team to assist Barbados in its security arrangements for CWC.
“We have committed to sending a platoon of security officers to assist that country after our matches here are finished. This is all part of the regional security agreement for CWC,” Minister Rohee said.
On March 15, the National Assembly passed three Security Bills which will provide for the presence, activities, privileges and immunities of members of foreign police forces and civilian personnel during the period of CWC. Two of the legislations will be non-effective after June 1.
Minister Rohee commented on the recent system in place for night courts for CWC.
“The Georgetown Magistrate and Providence Courts will be hearing matters in an expeditious manner during the evenings for CWC. The courts will also address any other issue outside of CWC related offences. This system is only for CWC,” Minister Rohee disclosed.
At present a Joint Services operations centre is functioning at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, to channel information that would be required by the agency responsible for regional security (COPACS).
Members of the Joint Services are already deployed to conduct river, land and foot patrols.
Minister Rohee said the number of Police officers providing security outside of the Stadium has increased. There are over 300 certified Stadium officers who are providing internal security.
The super eight matches in Guyana bowled off yesterday with Sri Lanka playing South Africa at the East Bank Demerara venue.