By Sue-Ann Wayow
ALMOST one week after police tear-gassed persons gathering at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS), police permission has been granted for a rally to be held at the same location for the same people who were arrested and subsequently charged.
In a media release on Friday by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the TTPS stated that permission was granted by Acting Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob for Leader of the First Wave Movement Umar Abdullah to host and observe “The Worldwide Rally to Freedom” carded for Saturday.
Abdullah was among those arrested during the altercation with police last Sunday.
The TTPS stated that Abdullah has confirmed receipt of the correspondence approving the public march.
The TTPS also stated, “Although permission has been granted for the public march, the Acting Commissioner would like to remind all persons that Trinidad and Tobago continues to battle against Covid-19, where 1,063 new cases were recorded yesterday.”
According to the Public Health Regulations, 2022, the public march should have no more than 250 persons in number, practicing social distancing and sanitisation methods.
Additionally, the Acting CoP advises that there should be strict adherence to Regulation 3 of the regulations which stated that there should be no gathering of persons in excess of ten people.
“Therefore, the public march should be organised in clusters of no more than ten persons, the total not to exceed 250 persons. In addition, all persons in attendance are required to wear face masks, face shields or face coverings in a manner covering nose, mouth and chin, in compliance with Regulation 5 of the Public Health Regulations, 2022,” the TTPS stated.
The TTPS stated that police officers will be on site to ensure persons comply with law and regulations and are able to exercise their right in a safe environment.
Abdullah had written to the TTPS asking permission to hold the public gathering and also requested police presence.
