Gary goes after cop, beachgoers for not wearing masks

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Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, has directed that a police officer be issued with a ticket for breaching the Public Health Ordinance Regulations by not wearing a mask in public.

And the Commissioner has announced his intention to go after beachgoers this weekend, who may not be wearing masks.

According to the police service, the officer, who works at the Port-of-Spain CID, was on duty in downtown Port-of-Spain yesterday with other officers and was seen not wearing a mask.

The Commissioner said “We are here to lead by example. We are here to ensure that everyone adheres to the regulations. We cannot be seen breaching the said regulations.”

Commissioner Griffith has also asked for a report as to why the police officer was brandishing a sophisticated weapon in public without the POLICE insignia on his clothing.

He has called on citizens to be responsible, logical and to adhere to the public health regulations.

Commissioner Griffith also announced his intentions to intensify public regulations and ensure masks are worn.

He said he and his officers will be out at the beaches today and Sunday.

“It gives me no pleasure to try to enforce these laws and to cause persons to lose $1,000. So all I ask persons is just to adhere to the Regulations.”

He added, “I have comprehensive operational plans throughout the beaches, especially at Maracas where I was informed that persons were coming out of the water and sitting on the beach without masks. Persons would be given tickets. If they say that it is too hot, that unfortunately is not going to be an excuse to be used, then you

should stay at home. Persons who are not in the water will be given tickets if they are on the beach without their masks.”

The Commissioner also warned against people congregating on the streets.

“If 50 persons are not allowed in a bar but the 50 persons instead go outside on the pavement, it poses a greater risk and health factor to you and others because you are now converging in a much tighter space than in the bar. The law was made to stop people from being in the bar, but by you going on the outside, is making it even worse.”