Inspector Garry Desrosiers, deputy spokesperson for the National Police of Haiti (PNH) announced at a press conference that nearly 6,500 police officers will be deployed during the 3 fat days (26/27 and 28 February) to ensure security of Carnavaliers and the population during the National Carnival in Les Cayes (1,500 police officers + 1,500 young people of the city https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20139-haiti-national-carnival-2017-d-8-follow-up-of-preparations.html ) and that of Port-au-Prince (5,000 police oficers).

All police officers hired to secure the courses will be identified with vests, caps and bracelets, even those accompanying the VIPs will have to be identified according to these measures.

Several special forces including the Tourist Police (POLITOUR), the agents of the Operation and Intervention Departmental Brigade (BOID), the CIMO, the SWAT, the Motorized Intervention Brigade (BIM) will be available to reinforce the route of the two carnivals.

Note that this police force represents almost half of all the police forces available in Haiti...

According to Inspector Garry Desrosiers, all arrangements have been made at the level of the PNH, so that the carnavaliers can have fun in complete peace, adding that the General Inspectorate of the PNH will also make checks of the police officers, to ensure of their good behavior during the festivities.

Regarding the prohibition measures, merchants of all kinds of products will have to circulate in the course with their goods. The sale of alcohol and beverages in glass containers will be strictly forbidden on the site of the festivities and more particularly near the parade route. All weapons licenses are suspended (including for plainclothes police officers who are not in service), on carnival routes in all the departments of the country, in particular the West and the South. Possession of weapons and other sharp or blunt objects that may cause injury to others is prohibited in the areas where the festivities will be held, adding that body checks will be made on suspect individuals.

These measures come into force on Saturday 25 February 2017 at midnight until Wednesday 1 March 2017 at 6:00 a.m.

Moreover, Garry Desrosiers, in order to avoid cases of rape, suggests to the women participating to the carnivalto be always in group to return to their home. He pointed out that those who do not have this option can go to the nearest police station for get help.

Emergency numbers if needed: 3804 3333, 3805 3333, 3820 3377 and 4182 6161. If you are a victim of violence during Carnival 2017, call 100 or 114 for assistance.

SL/ HaitiLibre