Postby AutoSport » April 23rd, 2011, 7:13 pm
Cancellation of the Arima Grand Prix carded for 24th April 2011.
On behalf of the organizers of the Arima Grand Prix, I wish to confirm that this Event has been cancelled. We regret that this is being indicated at this eleventh hour, but this is how the Authorities in this country deal with these major issues, and we then ask ourselves why we are so backward in comparison to countries like Barbados, and those even smaller than us.
Fact: We did apply for permission by letter dated 21st March 2011. This was personally taken into Police Headquarters by me. As has happened in the past, I asked whether I could wait to take the forwarding document to the Tunapuna Police Station, where it would have been sent for further investigation. This was denied. I checked several time about the status of this request and was advised that it would be sent to Arima for investigation. Several checks later, same response.
On Monday 18th April at approx 10:45 PM, I received a call from Malabar police post, inquiring about certain letters that they had to have. I advised that they did have this. And read out a copy of said letter. OK. Another call from Malabar police post, 5 minutes later inquiring about whether the DJ had a COTT license – Yes he did, OK. Another call from Malabar police post, 5 minutes later inquiring about safety and security – again advised that this was also in place, OK.
So on Tuesday, Bar license hearing in Arima Court – what about Police permission for the Event. Not yet granted, so Bar License hearing postponed for Thursday. On Tuesday we followed up with the Malabar Police post and were told that this would be sent to Tunapuna on Wednesday morning. Checked here, and were told that a report would be forwarded to Police HQ later.
I waited in Police HQ from 1:00pm till 3:00pm, and eventually received the Police report – permission refused because we were blocking in some residents. I immediately indicated that this was incorrect, and showed this very clearly on a map of the area. I was advised that I had to take this appeal to the OC, Tunapuna. I wrote a letter of appeal clearly stating the facts, and took to Tunapuna on Thursday morning. Spoke to the Chief Clerk, and showed her the facts. She in turned spoke to the OC, Tunapuna, who indicated that she would have a senior officer go to the site to examine and report back to her. This was done at midday on Thursday, met the Supt. Showed him all of our plans and he indicated to me that he would advise that permission be granted, and, if he passes on Sunday and sees anything different to what was agreed upon, he would shut down the Event. I agreed with this position.
We proceeded to continue our arrangements for the Event. Bar License approved on Thursday, paid more than $14,000.00 for recommended strength of required Police for the Event, paid for Bar license. This could not happen unless certain instructions were passed on to the Court.
On Saturday, I went to pay for the rental of Police barriers, and was advised that they had no permission. Several telephone calls later, revealed that what was told to me by the Supt. on Thursday, was different to what was relayed to the OC, Tunapuna, and this is now in the hands of the Commissioner of Police.
We clearly determined that several facts were being distorted. At this point we were advised that we could have whatever was planned for INSIDE the Stadium, but no racing on the road. We did not do all of this planning for a “Car Show”. We decided to cancel the event in the best interest of all involved. The Mayor did come to speak with us at the Stadium, and indicated that he would meet with us shortly to ensure that this Event will take place in the not too distant future at THIS Location.
WE are prepared to immediately refund the entry fee to all competitors who so desire.
We apologize for all who have been inconvenienced and look forward to a bigger and better event shortly.
