Max's procession causes gridlock

UPDATED:

From as early as 5 am yesterday drivers in downtown Port of Spain sat waiting for traffic to subside as the body of former President George Maxwell Richards was taken by military procession down Frederick Street, Broadway and onto Wrightson Road before being taken to Parliament for public viewing.

Newsday spoke to several drivers as they tried to escape the gridlock. They said several parts of Frederick Street – which were not listed in a release issued by the police – were closed off. One driver along the St Ann’s/ Queen’s Park Savannah route claimed the traffic got so bad, his passengers opted to leave the car and go downtown on foot.

Newsday spoke to Snr Supt of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch Basdeo Ramdhanie, who said he was aware of yesterday’s congestion and the funeral procession tomorrow is expected to run more smoothly despite minor blockages along crucial intersections.

“On Wednesday there would be a repeat of what took place today (Monday). Drivers should try to be in the capital by 7 am, the body should arrive at NAPA by 9.30 and then the streets will be reopened until the body is taken to Tacarigua for cremation again. We’re only going to stop the traffic until it passes at the various intersections. There will be some marching from City Hall straight to the NAPA so there might be some inconvenience, but not so much on Wrightson Road.”

From as early as 5 am yesterday drivers in downtown Port of Spain sat waiting for traffic to subside as the body of former President George Maxwell Richards was taken by military procession down Frederick Street, Broadway and onto Wrightson Road before being taken to Parliament for public viewing.

Newsday spoke to several drivers as they tried to escape the gridlock. They said several parts of Frederick Street – which were not listed in a release issued by the police – were closed off. One driver along the St Ann's/ Queen's Park Savannah route claimed the traffic got so bad, his passengers opted to leave the car and go downtown on foot.