Several people were hit by rubber bullets when police opened fire on a massive crowd thronged outside the Licensing Fete 2006, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, in the early hours of yesterday morning.
By Wayne Bowman and Gyasi GonzalesEarlier, the police had fired in the air to gain control of the crowd which it was feared was getting out of hand.
Several people received minor injuries and the police came under criticism yesterda for the manner in which the matter was handled.
The event produced by TriStar Promotions attracted the largest number of patrons for the 2006 Carnival season so far.
By midnight while thousands were jumping the night away inside the venue, thousands more were outside covering the road making every effort to get in.
TriStar founder, Roy Maharaj who had gone outside to see what he could do to ease the congestion was unable to reenter his own fete, because of the crowd.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Winston Cooper said: "A contingent of officers was deliberately posted at the venue to ensure that there was not any untoward incidents at the fete."
He added: "Whatever action they might have resorted to was to ensure a peaceful resolution."
Maharaj said: "The police did what they had to do."
Eyewitnesses told the Daily Express the situation became volatile shortly after 11 p.m. when fete-goers began crowding near the gates. There was a bottleneck created as the crowd tried to get through the six narrow passages through which tickets were being colleted to enter the fete. Everyone was also searched before entering the venue.
Uruly patrons began shaking the scaffolding at the passageway and officers from the Guard and Emergency Branch swung into action.
At first officers stood in front of the gates pushing people back with the warning that they would not let in anyone, "if there was no order".
Shortly after shots rang out to control the crowd.
The TT$90 a ticket fete featured performances by Machel Montano and Xtatik with the AT Crew as well as Alison Hinds, Maximus Dan, KMC with RWB and Traffik with Shurwayne Winchester and Candy Hoyte.
