By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE fiery situation in the capital city is under control.
Acting Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob says some 200 police officers along with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and Guard and Emergency Branch were manning the areas of Beetham and Sea Lots in Port of Spain for hours on Monday.
Speaking with i95.5FM on Monday afternoon, Jacob said the east and westbound lanes of the Beetham Highway were expected to be cleared and reopened by mid-afternoon to the public.
He said, “We are working with the Fire Service and City Corporation and in the next 15 to 20 minutes the westbound lane will also be opened for traffic. Right now the eastbound lane is cleared and traffic is flowing. The Defence Force and police are there. We have about 200 police office officers on the ground right now, together with the Defence Force.”
The CoP said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) was expecting residents to react following the shooting of three men from the Beetham area in a police-related shooting on Saturday morning.
He said following the shootout, community police officers visited the area and spoke with residents in an attempt to keep the peace.
Jacob believes that someone instigated the protest action.
Scenes from the protests in Port of Spain on Monday by AZP News Photo Editor Azlan Mohammed:
He said, “There was an incident where someone went in and rile up the persons in order to carry out this action. Most of the roadblocks were done and although we had persons on the ground the protest started in other areas and these officers had to call in reinforcement to assist them in the entire protest.”
Jacob added, “We have a real organised response when these things happen. It takes a two-hour response because we have to wait for fire and city corporation to clear the roadways. It was properly handled and the place will be cleared in time for parents to pick up their children.”
Citizens have been warning each other on social media to be careful if having to venture into the city and if possible avoid it.
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