Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News
Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said it is doing its part in supporting an enjoyable festival season with the protection of life and property as a high priority.
According to a release from the RVIPF, a number of officers both in uniform and plain clothes have been assigned to the streets in order to support this objective.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Alwyn James noted that the RVIPF wants everyone to enjoy the festivities and to do so with little or no disruptions; however, actions will be taken if it becomes necessary.
"We are going to do our best to keep incidents to a minimum. However, should any incident arise that threatens the safety of persons at any event, Police will take whatever action is deemed necessary to protect life, including removing and relocating persons who are found to be promoting or engaging in disorderly conduct," James said.
Superintendent of Police Operations, St. Clair Amory on the other hand, is reminding musicians and event organisers that they have a responsibility to help encourage orderly conduct by attendees, supporters and performers. He added that the public, likewise, should share in this responsibility.
"The festival celebrations are for you. Demand that people respect your right to enjoy the season and your right to do so in safety and with respect for you," he said.
The RVIPF stated that it is committed to upholding the law and standards of operation made with the BVI Festival Committee to ensure that events run smoothly. The RVIPF also noted that the use of profanity by any performer will not be tolerated at any of the festival events.
"Only vendors who have liquor licences can sell alcohol beverages. Beverages are only to be served in plastic containers. Bottles are strictly prohibited in the village or at any festival event. Only tramps organised and authorised through the BVI Festival Committee will be allowed. Any person found carrying an offensive weapon of any kind, including imitation firearms in any public place, in a vehicle or on their person, will be arrested and prosecuted," the RVIPF pointed out.
The RVIPF stated that around the Festival Village site, traffic lights at Station Avenue and the James Walter Francis Drive will continue to operate as normal; however, the westbound lane of the dual carriage way will be closed to vehicular traffic nightly at 7:00 pm.
Further, the eastbound lanes will accommodate two-way traffic. No vehicles will be allowed to park or stop on the eastbound lanes at any time during the festivities and in particular during tramps.
On Monday, August 6, eastbound traffic along the Sea Cows Bay Road to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School will be rerouted to the service road above the school about one hour prior to the commencement of the Festival Parade.
The RVIPF is reminding persons to provide the necessary security and supervision for children, to drink responsibly and to cooperate with all law enforcement officers.
