Cops plan high profile policing for Mardi Gras

(CNS): Police will be monitoring this year’s Mardi Gras party at Kaibo’s from the water and on land to ensure that there is no breach of the peace or public order and marine offences or traffic violations committed before, during or after the event, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has said. The party will take place on Wednesday, 25 February — a public holiday — and Area Commander, Chief Inspector Richard Barrow, says he hopes the continuing situation of incident free Mardi Gras events continues.

“We don’t want people not to have fun,” CI Barrow said. “But we want to make sure they enjoy themselves safely, responsibly and decently. We have been working with the organisers to ensure adequate security and such like is in place, and now I’m calling on the public for their cooperation also.

 “As usual, the hosts have put in place measures to ferry people to and from the event and taxis should be on hand for the return journey, so there is no reason for anyone to get behind the wheel if they have had a drink.  Barrow warned revellers who do drink and drive that they will be caught.

The joint Customs and RCIPS Marine Unit is also warning boaters to act sensibly on the water. People are reminded that they should not operate their vessels if they are under the influence of alcohol. In addition, boats should not be overloaded with passengers and all the necessary safety equipment should be on board at all times.  The Marine Unit will be policing the event and officers will be looking out for unsafe boats and other dangerous water activities.

“We want everybody to have a safe and happy holiday and this starts with responsible behaviour,” added Mr Barrow.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.