24 Feb Security & Protest Update - XXI Winter Olympic Games

[grawp]

Good afternoon, all.

Here is the 24 Feb 2010 Security & Protest Update for the XXI Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, courtesy of the US Dept. of State Diplomatic Security/Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC.)

Of interest: the "US/Canadian Boat Patrols" item is worth a look.

Enjoy!

grawp

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February 24, 2010

In this Issue:
• U.S./Canadian Boat Patrols
• B.C. Ferries Anticipate Another Busy Weekend
• Squatters to Stay in Tent Village
• Hudson Bay Cancels 24/hrs Plan
• YVR Strike Concludes
• Upcoming Protest Activity
• OSAC Contact Information


U.S./Canadian Boat Patrols

The United States and Canada signed a joint agreement before the start of the Olympics to enable U.S. Coast Guard officers to ride on patrol boats flying the Canadian flag, while Canadians have joined U.S. crews off the waters of the Pacific Northwest. These mixed-crew boats, with American officers deputized as special Canadian “constables” and Canadians authorized as U.S. “customs officers,” allow for cross-border patrols to combat gun runners, drug smugglers, and human traffickers. Since the program began, there have been just four arrests. The agreement is set to expire after the Olympics, but the Canadian Parliament is considering legislation that could make the program permanent.

(Source: USA Today)

B.C. Ferries Swamped by Olympic Games Crush

B.C. Ferries is preparing for another busy weekend, as it continues to receive criticism for its handling of last weekend’s record-breaking crowds. B.C. Ferries reported a 32 percent increase in walk-on passengers last weekend, which forced the company to add two additional sailings. Ferries transiting from Tsawwassen to Swart Bay were at full capacity beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday and huge lineups of walk-on passengers continued to grow throughout the afternoon. Motorists without reservations endured two sailing waits before they were able to board a ferry. Critics of B.C. Ferries’ performance believe it should have anticipated Sunday night’s rush.

(Source: Vancouver Sun)

Squatters at Olympic Tent Village In For Long Haul

Squatters at the Olympic Tent Village on West Hastings street initially planned to camp out for five days; the group’s organizer now reports the squatters won’t leave until the City of Vancouver finds housing for the growing list of over 20 camp residents who need permanent housing. There are currently 140 tents on the lot, with kitchen, first aid, and toilet facilities. In 2002, the Downtown Eastside Woodward’s squat began as a political action but lasted over 90 days.

(Source: The Province)


Olympic Superstore Cancels 24/hrs Plan

The Hudson Bay Company cancelled the plan to keep its Olympic Superstore open for 24 hours a day during the final weekend of the Olympics, due to security concerns. Store officials cited rowdy partygoers creating problems for customers waiting in line to enter the store.

(Source: The Province)


YVR Strike Concludes

The food-service and retail workers’ strike at Vancouver International Airport ended on Tuesday, after the union and company involved in the labor dispute entered into negotiations. The restaurant and retail outlets at YVR are expected to reopen by Thursday morning, after cleaning and restocking supplies. Workers have been off the job since staging a one-day strike last Wednesday; the company filed a lockout notice the next day.

(Source: Vancouver Sun)


Upcoming Protest Activity
Protest at the Olympic Cauldron (February 24)
• A single twitter posting is calling for a protest event “against the fence” at the Olympic Cauldron on February 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Share the Gold (February 24)
• The Two Worlds Campaign is calling for supporters to form a “golden chain of individuals standing 3m apart along either side of Hastings Street for 3 blocks from First United, past Carnegie Community Centre and InSite to Pigeon Park”
• Demonstration scheduled to take place from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.
• Expected to be peaceful, but a possible impediment to traffic

Demo against Olympic Occupation of Britannia (February 25)
• Event scheduled to take place at Grandview Park from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.