Sport Minister: Some police wanted extra $$ to work for Commonwealth Youth Games

THE National Security Ministry blanked the request of some police who wanted extra money for their duties at the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games.

This was revealed by Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe.

The games will begin on Friday and end on August 11, featuring over 1,000 athletes from 70 countries.

The sports include athletics/para-athletics, cycling, swimming, triathlon, rugby sevens, beach volleyball and fast five netball.

Speaking to Newsday at her Port of Spain office on Wednesday, Cudjoe said the safety of the athletes throughout the meet is crucial.

"I think that's what has me at the edge of my seat the most," she said.

"For adult games ...they're adults, they can take care of themselves. But we're dealing with 1,000 children 14-18 years old.

"Your facilities could be as ready as ever for if somebody gets food poisoning out there; if somebody gets in some kind of funny accident, something happens to one of these children, that's a lot of trouble.

"I would not be comfortable and happy and be able to celebrate until the last child leaves here safe and sound and returned home. That is of utmost importance to me.

"If I can get that, I'm going to be one of the happiest people in the world."

She said police presence at hotels and on the street is "very important."

But she added, "Of course, there's this concern (where) some officers are saying they want additional monies, while the government (and) the Ministry of National Security is saying that they should be treated as national duty and so on. So that those are some of the challenges."

She continued, "Of course, like any other person, if I'm doing some extra duties for the games, I'll hope to receive some additional cash. But based on the nature of the work and based on the response from the Ministry of National Security, they are saying that is going to be done as national service and we look forward to the service, the commitment, the dedication and showing up on national security officers."

Asked about this, Police Social and Welfare Association ASP Gideon Dickson said, "The Commissioner of Police (CoP) is the person who is responsible for communicating with the officers whether it is, in fact, an event of that magnitude or nature and what will be required.

"In the absence of that, police officers would expect that any extra form of duty will equate to being an extra duty."

He said he has not heard any instructions from CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher about this.