PHILIPSBURG--Police closed several stores on Front and Back Streets in error before the start of the Grand Carnival Parade on Thursday, but subsequently allowed the businesses to reopen after realising they had made a mistake.
In an invited comment on the matter police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson said the error had been the result of “miscommunication.” He said the matter had been rectified.
The Daily Herald understands that the police bike patrol approached several stores on Front and Back Streets and told them they were not allowed to open as it was a holiday. However, the day of the Grand Carnival Parade is not a mandatory shop closure day. Several of the stores closed although they knew they were allowed to open.
After numerous complaints to the police the matter was cleared up and stores were told they were allowed to stay open as it was not a mandatory shop closure day.
Most of the Front Street stores stayed closed after the incident, but those on Back Street reopened. Establishments in Philipsburg usually stay open on the day of the Grand Carnival Parade until the parade reaches Front Street.
