Sandy says curfew time adjusted to ease public inconvenience

National Security Minister John Sandy told reporters Monday Government had initially planned to implement a daily 6 pm to 6 am curfew in “hot spots” during the limited state of emergency. 

However it was later changed to be in force instead from 9 pm to 5 am because the Government recognised that the longer lock down would create severe inconvenience to citizens.

He said one of the considerations was for the Muslim community, which is observing the Ramadan fast, which ends daily at sunset and necessitates Muslims going to their mosques to break the fast.

Speaking about the emergency measures, Sandy gave the assurance that people who must be out on the streets during the curfew will get the necessary permits. 

“But persons are not required to be on the streets after 9 pm, Please co-operate with us and stay at home—the best place to be is at home,” Sandy added. 

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams said persons arriving at Piarco International Airport after curfew hours could access passes to reach their destination at a special counter near the airport’s domestic terminal. 

Williams said persons who need additional passes can apply for them at the police station nearest their homes. And he made it clear that not everyone who applies will get a pass.

The acting commissioner said taxis are not going to get permits so people who depend on this mode of transport would have to make the necessary adjustments to get home on time. He added that police would be sympathetic to emergency cases where people have to get to hospitals.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan noted that the PTSC has put on additional buses to accommodate the travelling public to get home by curfew time.