THE public will be seeing a large presence of police officers at the Carols in the Islands program this Saturday at the Lawson Tama field.
Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast told reporters at his weekly police conference that this is to ensure everyone has a good night and enjoy themselves.
He added that Random Breathalyser Tests (RBT) will be also conducted on the roads prior to and after the event.
“We will be working with the venue security at the Honiara City Council (HCC) to ensure everyone has a good night,” Mr Prendergast said.
“There won’t be any alcohol allowed into the ground,” he added.
“Anyone who is drunk won’t be allowed into the ground.
“We won’t be allowing bottle drinks, coconuts or any other sharp instruments such as scissors etc, anything that can be a danger to people into the ground.
“We will be working very hard to ensure everyone enjoys themselves.”
The police chief said the gates will be opened at 1pm in the afternoon.
“The only gate that will be opened for entry is the eastern gate.
“And the other gates will only be used for exit.”
He said this is to ensure there is orderly transitioning into the ground.
Mr Prendergast said there won’t be much car parking because most of the car parks will be closed, as some space will be preserved for officials.
He said another reason why they need to close the car parks is because there will be fireworks on display.
He urged people to park away from the Lawson Tama ground and walk over to the ground.
“Fireworks will start at 9.30pm.
“The Lawson Tama junction and the Koloale Chinatown junction will be closed.
“It is important that people understand this.
“It will be closed from 9.20pm to about 10.40pm.
“This is to avoid any accidents while the fireworks are going off.
“Drivers need to know roads will be blocked at that stage.”
The program will finish at 10.30pm
“If there is any inconvenience because of traffic due to the venue security I apologise in advance for that.”
Mr Prendergast said the reason they are doing this is to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
