Trinidad Police Threaten to Walk Picket Lines during Cricket World Cup

Police officers in Trinidad and Tobago, where India and Sri Lanka will play their first round World Cup matches, have threatened to go on strike during the tournament in a pay dispute.

Cedric Neptune, president of the Police Social and Welfare Association, hinted that T&T police officers may withdraw from the unified Caribbean force formed to beef up security during the seven-week long competition which starts with a series of warm-up matches next week.

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul made it clear that T&T police officers assigned to work specifically at the World Cup local matches will not be paid extra duty allowances.

Mr. Paul said because the cricketing body entered into an arrangement with the T&T government, by extension, police officers assigned to work during the World Cup will be working for the state. But he explained that the 60 officers assigned to work with regional counterparts in various Caribbean islands for the event will be paid per diems, plus salaries and possibly overtime.