THE crowd that packed the streets of Labasa Town to witness the float procession of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North yesterday has applauded police presence and tight security during the festival.
A common applaud was the presence of the divisional police commander north Senior Superintendent Seru Savou who stood with the officers controlling the crowd's movement.
Those interviewed praised the police for organising a tight security during the festive week.
Marama Tinai from Seaqaqa said seeing SSP Savou at the grounds every night and during the float procession meant a safer festival week.
"Dua na ka vinaka ka taleitaki na noda sarava tiko na nona maliwai keda na nodra liuliu na ovisa ena vualiku ena gauna ni soqo qo i Labasa. (It is so good to see the DPC part of the crowd today and providing security for the community).
"Ni da lako yani Subrail Park, e tiko mai kina o DPC vatakei ira na ovisa. Sa dua na ka taleitaki dina meda raica ira na ovisa ena vei bogi e rara. (When we go to Subrail Park for the festival, and it's very good to see the police officers at the ground every night)," Ms Tinai said.
Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Boubale, outside Labasa Town said police security provided throughout the week of festival had been good.
Traffic police officers were also present in busy areas and maintained easy flow of traffic preventing any congestion.
Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said they would continue to provide security for the community.
"Police will continue to patrol not only the festival area but the town and residential area as well in Labasa.
"Police patrol and security has also been part of the Friendly North Festival and we look forward to working with community in keeping a safe north," Insp Sokomuri said.
He has also urged parents to continue to be vigilant over their children during this weekend before classes start on Tuesday.