No protests at Summit at the Americas in POS

Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert told reporters in Port of Spain Thursday he won't allow demonstrations in Trinidad & Tobago during the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which begins in the city on April 17.

Philbert said he refused permission because he believes such activity would compromise security for the summit, which is being attended by leaders of the western hemisphere, including U.S. President Barack Obama.

Philbert said local protesters Keston Boodram and Rawle Raphael, and the trade union movement known as the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (Fitun) have asked for permission to stage demonstrations.

He explained that it's not reasonable for Boodram and Raphael to protest within the the so-called 'red zone' high security area because "to permit any kind of action like that involving people who are not accredited for the red zone” would compromise security.

He rejected the trade union organization's plan for a demonstration from the Queen’s Park Savannah to Woodford Square in downtown Port-of-Spain saying the march would border another security zone.

Philbert said, “We understand the concerns of the union and we understand people should have the right to hold marches in a democracy but we also have to understand it is important to maintain security and safety in our State.”