The Joint Services and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) along with the emergency and private security services have prepared a comprehensive security plan in relation to the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches to be played at the National Stadium this month as part of the first ever Cricket Carnival.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ravindranauth Budhram, heads the Task Force that is responsible for the security and noted that security will also be provided for all events during the Cricket Carnival period between September 16 and October 02.
“The security plan entails security for the teams arriving on the 19 of this month and throughout the game and then their departure,” Budhram said on Friday.
Security personnel will also perform duties at the National Stadium, while the Fire and emergency services will be on standby along with personnel from the CDC.
Budhram noted that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were also established for the National Stadium. These standards are in keeping with the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules and regulations.
Two games are likely to be held in one day with the first game starting from 10 am to 1 pm and then the second from 5 pm.
“We know that there will be some challenges in terms of flushing out after the first game and then restart on the second aspect,” Budhram said.
Patrons are being asked to cooperate with security personnel in clearing the ground after the first game in preparation for the second game.
Patrons will be scanned at the north and south entrances inside the stadium, while a “soft check” will be done at the main entrance.
“We will be having private security and police there to ensure prohibited items are not entered into the ground,” Budhram related.
He reminded that no firearms and sharp objects such as knives, scissors, etc, will not be allowed and urged persons with licensed firearms to lodge them at any police station.
Gates will be opened two hours before the games.
“I want to make it clear that for the CPL there is a team and for the cricket carnival there is also a team which includes the division commanders, Fire Service, planning committee from the ministry of culture, health and other agencies that will be pooling resources to ensure that these events are incident-free,” Budhram highlighted.
It is important to note that while police ranks will be deployed to the matches and events, there will be no disruption to the service in communities across the country.
“There will be adequate patrols in the neighbourhoods,” Budhram assured the public.
Carnival events are scheduled to be held in Georgetown, West Demerara, Linden and Berbice.
“…wherever these activities are being held, we will ensure the security is at its best,” Budhram said.