By GARY DARMANIE Wednesday, September 1 2010

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ON THE MOVE: Members of the TT Police Service march in yesterday's Independence Day parade at the Queen's Park Savannah....

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OFFICERS from the various arms of the TT Defence Force, including those from the Police Service, paraded in full regalia yesterday before hundreds of persons at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain for the 48th Anniversary Independence Day parade.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar smiled broadly when smartly dressed police officers — both men and women — marched along the route to warm applause from spectators many of whom were dressed in the national colours of red, white and black.

Days before the Independence Day parade, officials of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association threatened to boycott the parade and also to participate in any overtime duty in protest over salary negotiations which were stalled since 2007 under the previous PNM administration.

The protest action was averted when association members met with PM Persad-Bissessar and Finance Minister Winston Dookeran, with the association giving an undertaking that police officers would participate in the parade.

The last time a parade took place at the savannah was in 2007, and many had advocated for its return as the savannah is seen as the parade’s traditional home ground.

Also taking part in the parade were officers from both the nation’s armed and unarmed forces including the Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, Cadet force, Fire Service, Prisons Service, The Red Cross Society and the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. There was also the showcasing of vehicles used in the various arms of the TT Defence Force, including the police, army and fire services.

These vehicles included, trucks, cars, motorcycles, tractors, ambulances, water carriers and hydraulic platforms.

Spectators were especially thrilled when two aircraft from the Air Guard flew overhead.

The excitement grew when two Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT) helicopters flew pass after the Air Guard’s aircraft.

After the inspection of the parade by President George Maxwell Richards, the crowd was treated to the music accompanying the marching members of the Defence Force played by the Regiment, Police Service, Prisons Service and the Fire Service bands.

After the parade at the savannah ended, focus was turned to the street march by officers as the parade moved from Port-of-Spain to St James.

Along with President Richards and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Opposition and PNM leader Keith Rowley were present at the parade.