Mixed reaction to Pine action
For about five hours yesterday, the Barbados Police Service had The Pine, St Michael, on lockdown.
Speculation was rife as to why police officers, with assistance from Barbados Defence Force personnel, had set up road blocks by Collymore Rock, Meadow Road, Phillips Road, Parkinson Field, Factory Avenue, Princess Royal Avenue and the Wildey Road/Errol Barrow Highway junction.
Some thought it was due to a tip-off escaped convict Kishon Thomas was in the area, while others thought it was procedure following recent violent acts in The Pine.
Yesterday’s action not only involved stopping motorists and checking for valid licences and registration, but also the execution of warrants to search homes.
Operation success
Calls made to Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce and Deputy Commissioner Erwin Boyce were not returned up to press time. Police communications and public affairs officer acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite responded via WhatsApp to state: “The operation was a success and we want to thank the general public as we continue to serve, protect and reassure”. He did not respond when asked for details.
Yesterday’s operation was met with mixed reactions from residents. One man said the officers were in place before 5:30 a.m. and the action ended around 10:30 a.m.
“From the time I come out, I just see police. I heard they were searching the whole Pine. I don’t know the cause, but it
had to be some madness.
They ‘mussee’ had search warrants too because I heard they were searching houses too. White vans with ‘nuff’ police and soldiers,” he said. Ashley Jones said she was glad police were there and wished they would do more. “I don’t feel safe ‘pon a night ‘bout here, so I happy to see them. It’s not safe for my children or my neighbour’s children, especially after that [shooting] incident at Regent Hill, which was very terrifying. I wish the police would do more checking and I would like to see more police at that outpost,” she said, adding there was also a need for more street lights and debushing. Jan Eversley-Straughn said while the blockade was an inconvenience, overall she was pleased.
“I got searched twice this morning and that [upset me]. Coming out by Licensing Authority this morning, there was a long line of traffic with police searching cars and asking for licence and registration. It took so long that I get angry. Then, when I got back, I had to go through the same thing,” she lamented.
Despite that, Eversley-Straughn said she appreciated the action as she did not like living in The Pine due to the crime and violence.
A man, who gave his name as “Charlie”, said he went through one of the police checkpoints and decided to forego doing it twice.
“I was going to the Senior Games, so I showed them my licence and registration. Coming back, I parked my car and walked in. When the police move, I would go for my car.”
“Charlie” said police were doing a good job, as there were too many “nuisances” in The Pine, though it was surprising to wake up and see so many police officers in the area.
Another man, who gave his name as “Tossie”, said he wished there had been some kind of warning.
“Don’t jump us like this, got we like we in prison. Work with us and we will work with you,” he declared.
“Tossie” said the public service vehicle in which he was travelling this morning was diverted, and he had to walk a longer route home with groceries in hand. However, he admitted he felt safer with the police around.
Condemned action
An irate man, who was not identified, condemned the action and the police in general. He said people in The Pine continued to suffer.
“Why only The Pine? Why do the police spend so long holding up traffic? Why not pull people over and let traffic flow? You got five to six officers checking licences and insurance, so why spend so long on one car? We are not a society under martial law, yet, every time you oppose the way they do things, you are a criminal and want locking up,” he complained.
He said it was futile for the police to ask them to identify the criminals in their midst, as “good doctors don’t identify bad doctors and good police don’t identify bad police. You want us to point out the gunmen and then the next week they in front you house”? (CA)
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