Traffic challenges persist despite measures for Stink + Dutty fete
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad — Police officials praised promoters for collaborating with authorities to manage traffic during the Stink + Dutty fete, held this year at the Chaguaramas Heliport after the government barred cultural events at sporting facilities. The Hasely Crawford Stadium was used as a park-and-ride shuttle hub to ease congestion, but officials warned that smooth traffic flow remained difficult given the scale of attendance and the venue’s layout.
Henry, the Assistant Commissioner overseeing the North-West area, estimated about 17,000 attendees and said more than 100 officers, traffic wardens, wreckers, barriers, and no-parking signs were deployed to support the operational plan. He noted that when on-site car parks filled, patrons relocated to Macqueripe for parking, prompting authorities to tow numerous vehicles as parking on the Western Main Road was prohibited. Despite the robust plan, Henry stressed that congestion is an inherent risk at events of this magnitude, even with extensive preparations.
“There was a robust traffic plan, but the reality is that even on a normal Sunday by around 3.30 pm, Carenage experiences bumper-to-bumper traffic with beach-goers, employees, and residents. Any event of this magnitude will inevitably cause extended congestion,” Henry said.
The situation drew attention beyond policing circles when a video on Facebook highlighted concerns about parking arrangements at the St Anthony’s College fete in Westmoorings, described by Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Edward Alexander as “unacceptable.” He questioned what measures would be available for patrons in such scenarios.
Asked whether the police would prepare a report on the feasibility of hosting similar large-scale events in Chaguaramas in the future, Henry indicated the issue is under consideration. “What we have to ponder now is whether the western peninsula should host an event of this magnitude in the future. Traffic eventually dissipates, but it caused hours of inconvenience. The police remained on-site until traffic was manageable, but it lasted about four hours,” he explained.
Asha Atiya Greene, Acting President of the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters’ Association (TTPA), responded via WhatsApp, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with authorities but acknowledging that some difficulties are unavoidable due to venue layout and location. “The western peninsula has inherent challenges because of its limited access and exit routes. Congestion can arise from weather, accidents, and major activities. These realities are well understood by event producers,” Greene said. She added that TTPA members consistently factor these constraints into planning and coordination for events in the western peninsula and similar locations.
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