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Police have launched an investigation into the mayhem that unfolded at the Hits and Jams concert Friday night at the National Park.
During the show, which was headlined by two Jamaican artistes, patrons fired gunshots in the air as well as there was massive bottle-pelting. In a statement the police said that a meeting was summoned Saturday morning by the Commissioner of Police (acting) Mr. Clifton Hicken, in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary to deal with the breach of security and subsequent discharge of gunshots at the ‘Baderation’ dancehall concert held at the National Park last night.
Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Mr. Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr. Ravindradat Budhram; Head of Special Branch Mr. Errol Watts, Commander for Regional Division 4 ‘A’ Mr. Simon McBean, CCU Head Mr. Mark Ramotar; and promoter of the ‘Baderation’ concert Mr. Rawle Ferguson from Hits and Jams Entertainment Company.
The security posture (and lack thereof) at the event was discussed and recommendations were made for strict compliance prior to the hosting of any other such events in the future. Some of the things discussed at the meeting relate to: Stakeholders approach – with promoters, members of the Fire Service, GRA, and the Police; increased police posture in partnership with the Private Sector; prohibition of beverages in bottles (only plastic cups and bottles will be allowed); improved security search – metal detectors and scanners will be employed.
Also, one person – a vendor from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was arrested by the Police in the National Park Friday night with an illegal 9mm firearm with one suspected live 9mm round of ammunition. He is presently in custody. The Police are presently following up with the reviewing of CCTV cameras and videos circulating on social media with a view of identifying and arresting persons who discharged rounds in the air at the event in the National Park.
The Guyana Police Force is also appealing to the general public or anyone who might have knowledge or information (maybe phone videos) to share with the police as this will assist investigators in identifying the perpetrator(s) who fired shots at the event that caused chaos and panic.
