Security Stepped Up for Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations in Punta Gorda

Security measures will be stepped up during the Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations. With major traditional and activities planned leading onto Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations, Toledo police formation has increased operations to secure safety of inhabitants and visitors to Punta Gorda. Deputy Commanding officer Toledo police formation assistant super intendent of police Daniel Pascual spoke to Love News. 

ASP Danny Pascual, Punta Gorda Police: “These festivities will start from Friday which will commence with the Food and Fete event. Saturday will be the Battle of the Drums followed by a dance and then on Sunday will be the Love FM Paranda Fest. The following weekend we will see the festivities for the November 19th and that will be the Yurumei along with the Miss Garifuna Yurumei Pageant. Also the official November 19th ceremonies which will be on the 19th the Sunday. During these activities our police officers will be conducting operations. We will be out in numbers and while people will be traversing on our highway we will have our police officers conducting our checkpoints to ensure that we have the safety and security of the road users in order for everyone to be and travel safe within the Punta Gorda Town and back to their home safely. In addition to the safety we also ask that people who consume alcohol to be mindful and if you drink you don’t drive try to find a designated driver. We also implore for people leaving their homes to ensure that they take some type of security measure and secure their homes properly. Inform or communicate to a neighbor or someone who will know that you won’t be there in order for us not to have any unwanted incident. Also for persons who will be out we ask that you cooperate with the police and kindly conduct yourself in a well and well behaved manner and people who have licensed or legal weapons to not travel with them. You know if you’re consuming alcohol we have several incidents of recent so we ask for the public to assist us in order for us to safely police and have an enjoyable and safe 19th and our Battle of the Drums weekend.”

The Police is also asking the public to drink responsibly. Additionally, for people leaving their home to ensure that their home is secured properly.