A Magistrate has denied Occasional Bar and Dancehall Licences for the event ‘Fun Stop,’ which was scheduled to take place on Saturday to 3am on Sunday at Beetham Gardens, Port of Spain.
The event, promoted by Roger Joseph of Prezident Promotions, initially received approval from the San Juan Laventille Licensing Committee.
On November 7, 2024, the committee granted the licenses due to insufficient evidence from the police to deny the application.
However, following further discussions led by Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher and Deputy Commissioner of Police Intelligence and Investigations Suzette Martin, an application for review was filed. The police argued that the committee failed to adequately consider the risks posed by ongoing gang violence and reported crimes in the area, a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service stated on Saturday.
Senior Magistrate Rehanna Hosein heard arguments from both the TTPS and the applicant. After reviewing the evidence, the magistrate sided with the TTPS, citing sufficient grounds to consider the event a public safety risk.
Representing the TTPS were Ravi Rajkoomar SC, Assistant Superintendent Rajesh Lal, and Legal Officer Corporal Zaheer Ali. Attorneys Mario Merrit and Lemuel Murphy appeared for the applicant.
