Police urge all bars to be closed by 10 p.m. in response to “current circumstances”

By Admin. Updated 9:33 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Police have urged all bar operators to close their establishments by 10:00 p.m. starting tonight up to July 9, the designated Carnival period in response to current safety and security needs.

In a statement issued tonight (July 5) the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it strongly urges all bar owners and operators throughout St. Vincent, especially in Kingstown, to close their establishments by 10 PM from tonight, July 5, 2024, until July 9, 2024.

“This directive is issued in response to current circumstances that necessitate heightened safety measures and public order. Your cooperation is crucial during this period to maintain public safety,” police said.

“We appreciate your understanding and compliance with this directive,” police added.

The announcement comes after all police on leave were recalled to duty in response to Hurricane Beryl and the allocation of more security forces to the hurricane-ravaged Southern Grenadines area.

The decision of the Cabinet of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to proceed with the remainder of Vincymas 2024 means that more police resources will be needed to enable crowd control and enhanced security on the mainland while maintaining an increased security presence in the hurricane ravaged Southern Grenadines.

Though hundreds of people have been evacuated from the Southern Grenadines, hundreds more have decided to stay, many of which are in shelters.

On the mainland, tens of thousands of people usually attend the street events such as Jouvert and Monday Jam, necessitating large police presence.

Additionally, some communities on the mainland are still without electricity due to the impact of Beryl, necessitating enhanced police presence.