Residents of the Maloney Buildings Housing Development are weighing the promised security benefits of the area’s new restrictions against practical concerns about work, movement and how long the operation will last.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said Wednesday that residents needing to enter or leave during curfew hours could apply for permits through micro police units. In reporting on his media conference, TTT said he defended the operation as a response to intelligence about escalating gang violence and the danger to ordinary residents. Police and Defence Force personnel have been deployed to the community.
The legal orders name the Maloney Buildings Housing Development, rather than declaring a nationwide restriction. Legal Notice 847 designates it a closed area. Legal Notice 848 requires people within the area to remain on their premises between 9 pm and 5 am unless authorised under the order or by a permit issued under the Act. Both notices are dated November 10.
Guardian reporting on Thursday reflected differing views among residents. Food vendor Tricia Kinsale said she understood the safety concerns but expected the restrictions to affect her usual 7 pm to 11 pm trade. Coconut vendor Curtis Sogrim welcomed the police presence and said his business had not been disrupted. The report also described uncertainty over permits and the duration of the restrictions.
The same report recorded residents’ complaints about the conduct of some soldiers. Chief of Defence Staff Don Polo said military personnel were supporting the police operation and referred questions to a senior officer. Those complaints are residents’ accounts, not findings from a completed investigation.
Guevarro did not announce an end date at Wednesday’s briefing. For people whose livelihoods or travel fall within curfew hours, the immediate practical question is how the permit arrangements will work while the restrictions remain in force.
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