[UPDATED] Savannah party at UNC final rally

THE PHRASE “this is not a fete in here, this is madness” could probably sum up the UNC’s final rally ahead of the April 28 general election.

Supporters of the party and its coalition partners bathe the Aranguez Savannah in a sea of yellow and blue on April 26.

Fire officials estimated the crowd to have 15,000 people.

A senior fire officer said based on the absence of a gate, it was hard to get the actual figure.

Crowds of people were seen lining the road in front of Savannah Villas, Aranguez, as well as people near the bus route.

The crowd began building from as early as 2 pm.

Traffic backed up on the west-bound lane of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway, as thousands of supporters from various constituencies converged.

As you turned off the highway into Aranguez, even more congestion was found.

When Newsday arrived in Aranguez around 2 pm, police were not yet in the area.

Traffic was being directed by SWAT officers, UNC’s security as well as supporters who were making their way into the Savannah.

Police arrived around 3 pm, but struggled to get control of the traffic situation as the backlog continued.

At the Aranguez Savannah, the UNC’s final rally kicked off at 3.20 pm.

Leaders of different denominations led the day in prayer and then cultural performances took place.

Powerful speeches kicked off the ceremonial part of the UNC’s final rally.

As deputy political leader, Jearlean John, got started on her speech, political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar made her entrance, which was met by a huge roar from the crowd.

In addition, fireworks, confetti and fire sparklers were added to the aesthetic.

Her speech lasted roughly 45 minutes, reiterating points which she emphasised throughout her campaign.

After her speech, Persad-Bissessar made her way to the end of the stage to greet supporters, along with the 38 other candidates.

Throughout the evening, performances were done by numerous groups and artistes.

Ken Marlon Charles (KMC), General Grant, Iwer George, Anthony “Squeezy Rankin” La Fleur, GI (Imran Beharry), KI (Kris Persad) and Drupatee Ramgoonai were just some of the artistes that graced the rally with their presence.

A senior police source said there was no reported incidents at the rally.

This story was originally published with the title "Traffic woes heading to UNC rally in Aranguez" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

AS thousands of UNC and its coalition partners’ supporters bathe the Aranguez Savannah in yellow and blue, police struggled to get a grip of the traffic on the surrounding streets.

When Newsday arrived around 2 pm, police were not yet in the area.

Traffic was being directed by SWAT officers, UNC’s security as well as supporters who were making their way into the savannah.

Police arrived around 3 pm, but struggled to get control of the traffic situation as the backlog continued.

Traffic began on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway (westbound) as supporters from La Horquetta/Talparo, Chaguanas West and Tunapuna coincided with each other.

At the Aranguez Savannah, the UNC’s final rally kicked off at 3.20 pm.

Leaders of different denominations started the day’s events in prayer before cultural performances.