There will be about 18 events islandwide over the National Heroes Day holiday, prompting Police to ask for patience from the public as traffic disruptions are likely.

Police checkpoints will be deployed throughout the weekend, according to Chief Inspector Calvin Smith, who said: “We are encouraging people to be patient. Road rage is not something we want to see; we are expecting some major traffic disruptions. In some cases, roads will be closed.”

Ch Insp Smith said the 3am to 8am J’Ouvert celebration set for Moresby Plain in Dockyard (Malabar Field) on Saturday was an event of particular concern for authorities.

“However, I can assure you that over this weekend the Bermuda Police Service will have a robust presence at all these major events,” he said.

Marine police will be vigilant as well as regular patrols and “no antisocial behaviour will be tolerated”.

Alcohol will be available at the majority of the events and revellers are urged not to drink and drive, ride or operate watercraft: impaired drivers will be “arrested and placed before the courts”.

Those on the water should plan for safety, Ch Insp Smith noted. “When you swim, please don’t swim alone,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have had two incidents this year where people have lost their lives.”

Anyone who sets out this weekend should travel in groups or pairs and avoid parking or walking in isolated or dimly lit areas.

The holiday starts tomorrow, with Front Street closing from the Court Street to Queen Street junctions. Parked cars need to be moved by 4pm, as festivities will commence at 7pm. Additionally, Burnaby Street will close from the Front Street to Reid Street junctions.

Dockyard traffic will have to accommodate the Parade of the Bands on Saturday, from noon to 8pm.

Organisers are still ironing out the final arrangements, Ch Insp Smith said, since both the parade and J’Ouvert had to move at short notice from Morgan’s Point.

“We also recognise that there will be loud music associated with some of these events,” he said.

The chief inspector also stated that individuals planning unrelated celebrations should forewarn their neighbours about noise.