21 officers pass Tobago motorcycle course

SIXTEEN police officers and five fire officers graduated from nine-week motorcycle course and will now be patrolling the roadways to make Tobago safer.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday at Parade Grounds, Bacolet. The course, which started on March 8, attracted 32 participants and was spearheaded by Insp Stephen Bernard and Cpl Hersley Balfour.

Acting ACP Vernon Roberts said the addition to the motorcycle fleet will augur well for the island.

"We have the added benefit that we have additional motorcyclist on the roadway to ensure our highways and byways are kept safe for the motoring public and reduce the number of accidents. Officers learned various skills in motorcycling. This has been a boost to the Tobago division. "This is a crime deterrent because according to the ABC of policing, high visibility reduces crime."

Roberts praised CoP Gary Griffith for his "vision" of bringing the motorcycle course to Tobago instead of officers having to go to Trinidad for training.

"I'm advised this was the first course in 23 years. It's very commendable of the Commissioner. The cost factor, it's cheaper to bring the facility to do the course in Tobago."

Roberts said the police now have adequate numbers to deploy if needed.

Course was spearheaded by Inspector Bernard and Cpl Balfour.