AG introduces legislation to back robust security for World Cup

Barbados has implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure a safe and successful hosting of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, according to Attorney General Dale Marshall.

Local security forces were “ready” and “fully equipped” for the major sporting event, and visiting police forces will be available if the need arises, he told the House of Assembly as he introduced ‘sunset’ or temporary legislation to back up the government’s security plans, revisiting similar laws passed for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

“We’ve made sure that in terms of manpower, we have the best possible manpower arrangements. Both the Barbados Defence Force and The Barbados Police Service have had the benefit of some significant specialised training, and that specialised training continues as I speak,” Marshall said.

Declaring that no expense was spared in preparing the island’s security apparatus, he sought to give an assurance that “Barbados is ready to host our share of these games and Barbados, without doubt, is ready to host the finals”.

Lawmakers were presented with two bills, one of which is the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Bill, which grants Cricket West Indies (CWI) “full and unrestricted control” over the designated stadiums during the match period from June 1 to June 30. The Visiting Police Forces Bill establishes a structured legal framework for potentially bringing in officers from other territories to support security efforts across the six host nations – Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad.

“We didn’t require any during the 2007 to 2010 tournaments, but it is possible, Sir, and we see that with the instability happening in the Middle East and in other places, there is a possibility of risk to us, and we have to guard against that risk,” Marshall explained.

He highlighted Barbados’ extensive behind-the-scenes preparations, including specialised training for security personnel. Marshall also underscored the importance of regional cooperation, citing a previous instance when external troops were brought in during the uprising at the Glendairy Prison in 2005 due to insufficient local police resources.

With visitors expected to arrive from May 15, Marshall said Barbados is fully committed to delivering a secure and successful Cricket World Cup experience for all participants and spectators.

Explaining the CWI’s exclusive possession of the four designated stadiums during the matches – Weymouth, Windward Cricket Club, the University of the West Indies Cricket Grounds, and Kensington Oval –, Marshall said: “When it comes to this kind of game, where hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested, then it stands to reason that the promoters are going to require that the host nation permits them or facilitates them to exploit the maximum benefit from the tournament.”

However, the attorney general underscored that this arrangement does not exclude Barbadian civil authorities from carrying out their duties related to law enforcement, health, fire safety, and upholding public order within the stadiums.

“The Police Department will still have full authority. The Fire Service will still have full authority. All of our civil organisations that have a responsibility to maintain the safety and sanctity of the State and of the individuals at the Cricket World Cup will have unfettered discretion and responsibility,” he said.

Marshall cited the 2007 Cricket World Cup as a precedent for the regional cooperation and legal provisions being implemented. He noted that while no external police forces were required during the 2007-2010 tournaments, the current instability in certain regions necessitates mitigating potential risks.

“This Visiting Police Forces Bill . . . will establish clearly what the rights and obligations are of visiting police forces if they’re needed. If they are needed and they come in, they are under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Police,” he said.

fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb