Former Education Minister Dr. Tim Gopeesingh has accused Education Minister Anthony Garcia of embarrassing the University of the West Indies (UWI) by prematurely announcing the selection of businessman Robert Bermudez as the new UWI Chancellor.

He is also calling for Garcia’s removal as the Education Minister and for apologies to the UWI as well as the regional community.

In a release, the Caroni East MP referred to it as a “horrible blunder” which he said reflected “a new level of incompetence by the inept minister.”

Describing the announcement as a “terrible howler,” Gopeesingh said the matter had subjected the Keith Rowley administration, “to even more ridicule and derision.”

The former minister went on to state that Garcia should have been dismissed long ago for “the major reversals he has wrought to the education system after five years of sustained and historic gains.”

He added that Garcia’s tenure has been marked “by the lowering of academic standards, the withdrawal of vital learning features and support systems and one administrative gaffe after another.”

The MOE has sought to explain how the decision to appoint Bermudez was done as it said a Search Committee was convened on September 7, 2016 by the University Council to commence the process for the appointment of a new Chancellor.

The Search Committee was chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and comprised one representative from governments in the Bahamas; Barbados; Jamaica and T&T; two representatives of other contributing countries; five representatives of the Senate; one representative of the Post Graduate Students’ Association; one representative of the Guild of Students; one representative of WIGUT; and one from the Alumni.

The community of Rancho Quemado in Erin recoiled in shock yesterday when a young father of three was shot dead and left in a ditch by his killer, hours after a community sports day ended.

According to police, Carlon Seerattan, 30, was walking close to Los Charos Junction in the company of his friend, Rondell Jervais, 28, around 12.30am when the two were approached by a lone gunman. The two were leaving the area after liming at the sports day.

The man fired several shots, hitting Seerattan in the chest and killing him.

Jervais was also hit and is warded in the San Fernando General Hospital.

The T&T Guardian visited Seerattan’s father’s house yesterday, where relatives cried out for justice for the young father. His children, aged 10, six and four were not at home at the time.

“I need justice, I need the police to do their work because a lot of crime is unsolved. Down here just getting worse,” Carl Coutou, Seerattan’s father, said.

“The police not doing their work at all. They only running after the small man with the little weed and cocaine but they not going after the big man with the guns.”

Describing the eldest of his five children as a loving and hard-working person, Coutou said his son did not deserve to die in that manner.

Seerattan’s aunt, Bernadette Sandra Coutou, echoed his sentiments, sending this message to his killer: “Allyuh stop killing the people. Allyuh didn’t bound to kill my nephew like a dog. Even though he really had...I don’t know if he had anything with anybody, I don’t know.”

“Sometimes you out and somebody talk to you and you too bad. Allyuh coulda talk and solve the problem. Allyuh didn’t bound to kill him.”

MP for La Brea, Nicole Olivierre, visited the family and also expressed surprise that Seerattan was killed as she said those types of crimes do not happen in the area.

“This is the first time in my knowledge this has happened in this community and it is a wake up call for us. In other communities this type of thing happens on a regular basis, so it is a wake up call for us that we need to check ourselves and go back to the old community values to ensure these types of behaviour do not become a regularity,” Oliverre said.

She called on the elders in the community to take more of a role in the lives of youngsters.

“If we look back at decades gone by and we see how communities came together and there was a lot of community engagement, so whenever the young ones had differences they could always work those things out. Back in those days there would have been leaders in the community acting as mediators and when you have all the elders in the community taking responsibility for the lives of all the children, you do not allow disturbances or disagreements to escalate to a point where it ends up in violence.”

She also made a call for those in the community who know about criminal activity to report those matters to the police.

“I urge anyone, if you know about anyone who has guns or weapons, you need to get that information to the police so we can stem this growing tide of violence that is creeping into our community.”

One-year-old Kailee-Ann Frederick will grow up never knowing her parents as both of them were killed instantly in a vehicular accident at the Mausica Intersection of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway yesterday.

According to a police report, shortly before noon Kevin Fredrick and his common-law-wife, Karelle Nicholson were in a white Nissan Tiida proceeding along the west bound-lane of the highway when Frederick, who was driving, apparently lost control of the vehicle.

An eyewitness told the T&T Guardian that he noticed the vehicle from a distance travelling at a “good speed.”

“It then suddenly stopped and the vehicle flipped about four times before landing on its side on the side of the highway parallel to the late chicken magnate Jai Ramkissoon’s property.

The vehicle was a mangled wreck and its sides were ripped off on impact.

Frederick, 25, and Nicholson, 27, who were in the vehicle were thrown from it onto the side of the road. They both died instantly.

Kailee-Ann’s car seat, which was in the vehicle, was also thrown out causing responding police officers and relatives to frantically search the overgrown grass looking for the couple’s one-year-old baby.

However, after about one hour a relative showed up on the scene with the baby girl in hand. The baby was dropped off at the relative a short while before the accident occurred.

It is believed that Frederick was on his way to drop off Nicholson at her place of work. Frederick originally lived in Arima, while Nicholson was from Arouca. They, however, were said to be living in Maloney.

Preliminary investigations carried out by police officers suggest that the couple may have been engaged in a heated argument at the time of the accident.

Relatives who arrived on the scene were overwhelmed with grief. One woman, who was screaming and crying uncontrollably, hurled abusive language at members of the media and told to leave the scene and to leave the family alone.

A close friend of Nicholson, who wished not to be identified, said that Nicholson previously worked as a sales representative for a popular clothing store and was a chef in training.

Nicholson also worked as a security guard in Piarco.

The bodies were viewed by the District Medical Officer and removed to the mortuary at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope.

The autopsies on the bodies are expected to be conducted later today.

Investigations are continuing.

President of the Law Association of T&T (LATT), Douglas Mendes, SC, says it may be time to re-evaluate current manner in which judges are appointed, with a view to ensuring greater transparency and accountability and buttressing confidence in the process.

Mendes made the comment in a release yesterday, in response to the ongoing debate over the process in the recent appointment of three judges: former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, former magistrate Avason Quinlan-Williams, wife of acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, and attorney Kevin Ramcharan.

The swearing-in of the three new judges took place at the Office of the President on April 12, but Opposition Senators Gerard Ramdeen and Wayne Sturge have questioned the process and called for more transparency. Ramdeen challenged the shroud of secrecy in which the appointments are made and pointed out the the process should be opened up to public scrutiny. He also noted that Ayers-Caesar has left behind outstanding, part-heard matters, which was placing burden on an already challenged system.

Yesterday, Mendes admitted that the relative secrecy in which appointments to the judiciary are currently made, a process he admitted has been in place since independence, had the potential to encourage suspicion and amplify disquiet, “especially in the darkness of a vacuum of information.”

He explained that the process currently includes the receipt of applications by interested candidates who are interviewed and their suitability evaluated in private by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) in accordance with published criteria. He said such consultations are also done in private.

Ramdeen and Sturge have been criticised by some, including Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, for the adverse comments they have made against Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the process undertaken by the JLSC during their campaign.

In an apparent reference to this, Mendes said: “We recognise the right of every citizen to pose legitimate questions regarding appointments to the judiciary, even if done forcefully, but always respectfully.”

He, however, added that care must be taken in the manner of questioning decisions made by the JLSC, as there is “an imperceptible and illusive line beyond which the expression of even genuine disagreement may undermine the confidence which the public must continue to have in the administration of justice.”

On the question of Ayers-Caesar leaving behind outstanding matters, Mendes said the LATT also has immediate concerns over the issue.

“It is unfair that anyone should suffer the expense and anxiety of an avoidable repeat trial. The full extent of the prejudice which may have been caused is not yet known,” he said.

He said , however, that the LATT will be seeking to engage discussions with Archie, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard “to assist in finding a workable solution.”

QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED

In an immediate response yesterday, Ramdeen said it was unfortunate association had to reach to the point of calling for transparency.

Noting he and Sturge were forced to apply for information on the appointments under the Freedom of Information Act, Ramdeen said the best place to start is to change the process as even the LATT seems to agree “that the administration of justice and the confidence that the people of T&T have in the institution of the judiciary can only benefit from such disclosures.”

He said it would be a serious blow to the administration of justice and the confidence the people have in the institution of the JLSC if any attempt is made to conceal the information requested.

“Those questions have to be answered if the judiciary is to remain an institution where the people of T&T can be confident that they can access justice fairly from that institution. Now that the questions have been asked, those vested with the responsibility to answer those questions will now provide the answers and any attempt otherwise will undermine the Constitution, the rule of law and the democracy of T&T as we know it,” he said.

After last week’s swearing-in ceremony, Archie defended the process used by the JLSC. Reading from a legal notice on the criteria for the recruitment of judges issued in April 2000, Archie said the process had always been transparent despite claims to the contrary. Among the criteria used, Archie said candidates were selected based on their professional competence, integrity, temperament and experience.

He noted that prospective candidates were required to sit an exam to objectively assess their intellectual and analytical ability and underwent a psychometric assessment from an independent service provider to judge their emotional balance and decisiveness. They were also required to submit reference letters from competent persons who are able to assess their suitability for the job based on the JLSC’s criteria.

Archie said he felt he had to explain the process to dispel what he described as “unfair and uninformed criticism” of the body, which he also chairs.

Newly-appointed Judge Marcia Ayers-Caesar was warmly welcomed to the bench by attorneys yesterday, as she made her debut in the San Fernando Third Criminal Court.

Ayers-Caesar, who formerly served as the country’s first female chief magistrate, former magistrate Avason Quinlan-Williams and attorney Kevin Ramcharan received their instruments of appointment from President Anthony Carmona on April 11.

Before Ayers-Caesar dealt with her first matter, attorney Subhas Panday stood up and on behalf of the southern lawyer’s fraternity and congratulated her on her appointment.

Welcoming Ayers-Caesar to the San Fernando High Court, Panday recalled that as a magistrate she meted out justice.

He said even though some defendants who appeared before her may not have liked her decisions, they were always pleased with the manner in which she conducted the affairs of the court.

Pointing out that her good work, brilliance and dedication over the years have borne fruit, Panday said: “We are deeply happy and grateful to have you in this jurisdiction.”

He gave Ayers-Caesar the assurance that she will be afforded southern hospitality and promised that not a single lawyer in San Fernando will be rude to her or behave in any untoward manner.

Although they often find themselves on the opposite end of the table, on this occasion State prosecutors Shabanna Shah and Chantal Hospedales concurred with and endorsed Panday’s submissions.

Thanking attorneys for their warm welcome, Ayers-Caesar said she was familiar with the southern hospitality and looked forward to presiding in the court.

Five criminal matters were listed before Ayers-Caesar, but all were adjourned without the empanelling of juries.

Life in a Moruga continues to be a struggle for 68-year-old Alloy Triea Guillermo and his wife Susan who strained as they pulled a box cart carrying a barrel of water across a dilapidated road.

It was for reasons like these that the usually quiet community of the Penal Rock Road erupted in fiery and noisy protest against a poor standard of living that mimicked the post-colonial era.

Frustrated that governments, past and present have ignored their basic needs for street lights, water, proper roads, drainage and jobs, they called on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to fire their MP, Dr Lovell Francis for a lack of representation.

Outside his home yesterday, Guillermo told the T&T Guardian that he has to full water from one of two 1000-gallon tanks placed at the roadside by WASA, which is filled once a week. The tanks are used by approximately 800 residents in the community, some who travel three and four miles for water. When the tanks are empty, Susan said they have to visit her brother-in-law’s irrigation pond to fetch water, which she has to boil before using.

With rain not failing in the past month, the level of the pond is falling.

“Since I was born, we have been using box cart. You think it is right for an old man like me to be doing this? I have to be pulling a barrel of water on a box cart and my wife behind pushing. These are modern times so we should not be have to be living so backward,” Guillermo said.

There was repair works on their road a few years ago but because of the unstable land and a lack of proper drainage, it began to slip again. Before that, it was last repaired during the Basdeo Panday administration between 1995 to 2001. As Francis showed up in the village, located between the 10 and 16 mile marks, he received a scolding from the protesters who chanted in unison, “What you did for Penal Road? Nothing!”

Trees from the village’s multi-million-dollar teak industry were cut and used to block the road as they said outsiders were being given jobs instead of them. The Penal Rock Road links Basse Terre, Moruga to the Penal junction and is used for many residents to get their shopping and business done.

Lester Guevarro, president of the 14 1/4 mm Penal Rock Road Community Council said it has been years since they have been pleading for their roads to be repaired. Now their patience have run out, he said the protest will continue until something is done. He said there is water in the line once per week but if the pump malfunctions, residents have to wait for another seven days. He said the PTSC bus stops at the 10-mile mark so people living beyond have to walk. For motorists, there are tragedies waiting to happen as the road is slipping in several areas. Guevarro said they have been pleading with T&TEC to have 22 street lights installed as many of the residents have to traverse the road from the Basse Terre junction to their homes at night on foot.

Pleading for patience, Francis said the issues are common to most rural communities. He said that upon assuming the role of MP for the Tableland/Moruga constituency, he learned that the community had no water for three months prior. He said because the community was geographically located higher than others, it was difficult for the water to reach their homes. He said there are some areas without water mains and he has asked WASA to begin a pipe laying exercise.

With respect to the road, he said, he has already met with Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan and Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein to have the road repaired. 

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan yesterday justified why the Port Authority of T&T (PATT) had to pay far more for the rental of the Trinity Transporter barge and Atlantic Provider ferry in comparison to the Super Fast Galicia.

Sinanan sought to explain the rationing behind the difference in costs after several posts on social media accused his ministry and PATT of paying far too much for the rental of the two vessels, which replaced the Galicia whose final voyage was Friday.

The daily rate charged for the Galicia was Euro 14,750, which amounted to TT$108,000 daily.

The Transporter’s daily rate is US$8,000 (TT$53,00) while the Provider’s costs US$14,000 (TT$97,150), for a combined cost to taxpayers of TT$150,000 daily or $42,000 more a day for usage of both vessels to operate on the sea bridge. The two vessels, which were leased for one month by PATT, will cost the Government $3.7 million for one month of service but there is an option to renew the leases for a further month or two.

Told questions had been raised about the exorbitant cost of the vessels yesterday, Sinanan said Government’s back was against a wall in the matter.

“The reason for this is because this was an emergency situation. We found ourselves facing a 14-day notice with the Galicia,” he said.

“We had to look at the vessels that were available because we had to ensure that we had a replacement vessels here to make that Sunday run. Obviously, once people make their vessels available knowing fully well it is an emergency you don’t have much choice... they will charge you a premium price. Once it is long term... then the cost is significantly less.”

Sinanan said tenders for the leasing of a cargo vessel to be used for the next three years as a medium term measure closed yesterday. Asked if the cost of this vessel could also be far more than the Galicia, Sinanan said: “It could also be more or could be less. The thing about it is that the Galicia was not only a price issue, there was also an issue with the infrastructure we had. There were other aspects of the Galicia in terms of the berthing of it, the draft, the fact that we could not get full usage of the vessel.”

Sinanan also spoke about the service offered by the Provider, which sailed to Tobago on Sunday with ten trucks carrying cargo. The vessel returned to Port-of-Spain on Sunday night with 29 cargo trucks.

“Everything worked according to plan. The berthing was normal. So far, we are operating exactly where we wanted it to operate. There have been no disruptions with the cargo as promised. So far we have not received any negative feedback.”

He said the only problem was that the Provider takes three hours longer than Galicia, which sailed for five hours. He said both vessels berthed at Queen’s Wharf, Port-of-Spain and not at the waterfront near the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Giving an update on the Galicia, Sinanan said the matter is now in the hands of the ministry’s attorney Claude Denbow, SC.

“They are now looking at the legal options in going forward. They (Galicia’s agent - Intercontinental Shipping) would have breached that contract now. What happen… part of their contract was to replace the Galicia with a suitable vessel so there would not have been any interruptions. Right now there is an interruption.

“We had to go and find two vessels to ensure that the sea bridge is serviced. That option was for them to bring in a vessel and then they remove the Galicia from the service. This was not done.”

He promised to visit Tobago with directors of PATT this to meet stakeholders there.

Tenders have closed for a new vessel to take up the inter-island cargo route and the Port Authority board will go through them tomorrow and make a determination going forward.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan could shed no light yesterday on how many tenders had been received and efforts to reach Port chairman Allison Lewis were unsuccessful. But Sinanan said it is now up to the board and tenders committee to make a recommendation.

While the hunt continues for a vessel to replace the Galicia, the Atlantic Provider and Trinity Transporter barge will fill the gap.

The Provider made its maiden voyage to Tobago on Sunday but president of the Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Demi John Cruickshank said it was too early to determine whether it will be adequate to supply the needs of the island.

However, Cruickshank said they have determined that “we should be able to get 40 trucks on the vessel. We have to wait and see, however we are not in support of the barge.”

Tenders for a vessel to replace the Galicia closed at 2 pm yesterday and Cruickshank said the chamber hopes to be updated on this soon. But he again described the entire situation as “unfortunate,” saying they had hoped the minister would have acted since November to ensure what happened did not occur.

“We brought it to his attention that the people were indicating they did not have a contract and that they would be leaving. We were hoping that he, having come from the private sector, would have understood. But look at where we are today.”

Last week, the Government, through attorney Dr Claude Denbow SC, sent two letters to the Galicia’s local agent, Intercontinental Shipping Ltd (ICSL), indicating it must fulfil its 18-month contract for the vessel to operate the sea bridge or face legal action. That contract was due to expire on October 31 this year.

On this issue, Cruickshank said: “I have no idea about this contract. The people say they don’t have a contract and they taking their vessel. The minister is a strange fellah. He said the Super Fast Galicia was not suitable for the run, he said it was costing too much money and was riddled in corruption so why then is he insisting that it return? Why if it is inadequate are you pursuing it? One minute the minister saying we don’t need or want the vessel and all of a sudden he wants it to stay.”

He said Sinanan “should show us the proof of the corruption that he is speaking about with regard to the contract, where is the corruption? If there is corruption we all want to know, stop making the allegation and come and show us the proof. If not let us move on and let the matter die a natural death.”

Cruickshank said all the business community in Tobago wants is “a vessel that will reach in four to five hours and is comfortable to transport adequate cargo and adequate passengers, we did not ask for anything more than that.”

Leader of the Tobago Forwards Christlyn Moore meanwhile said Sinanan needs to make the contract between the Government and Intercontinental public.

Moore said: “The Government talking about procurement, but are the procurement issues on this boat (Provider) resolved. Was this procured by open tendering practices or was this sole selection, who is behind this transport company, and what are the underlying commercial transactions that are really going on behind this deal?”

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance with responsibility for management of the Economic Division, Suzette Lee Chee, says State enterprises are owing Government close to $44 billion in outstanding loans.

She made the disclosure as she appeared before a Joint Select Committee for state enterprises at the International Waterfront Centre, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. The committee is chaired by Independent Senator David Small.

Lee Chee was responding to a question from JSC member Fazal Karim.

In giving a breakdown of the types of loans, Lee Chee said $25 billion was non-guaranteed and $19 billion was guaranteed. She said none of the State enterprises were in arrears nor defaulting on their loans. She indicated, however, that the Finance Ministry was working with the institutions and enterprises to reschedule payments.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Lisa Phillips, told the JSC the non-guarantee debts were being serviced “and at this time we do not have an issue in terms of the servicing of these debts.”

Small said the almost $25 billion non-guarantee loans were “a huge debt. It is all debt.” He said there was no issue with the $19 billion debt but the almost 25 billion was a matter of concern.

He said enterprises were “leaning to refinancing.” He noted that one of the companies which was repaying a non-guaranteed debt was Petrotrin. Noting the existing state of the national oil company, Small wanted to know what strategies were being implemented “to help Government entities manage the non-guaranteed debts. If entities start to fall off the rails, what is the plan?”

Small noted that Petrotrin was having issues with the current oil prices and the ability to generate revenue to sustain its operations

Phillips, in response, said: “Every month we receive a status report with respect to the non-guarantee debts. So we’ll be alerted early o’clock whether there are any problems (and) thus far we have had no problems with servicing the non-guaranteed debts.”

Phillips added: “We are working assiduously on refinancing if possible that (Petrotrin) debt.”

She insisted that the non-guaranteed loan repayments were “under control.”

Attorneys representing the family of a three-year-old girl, who was refused funding by the Children’s Life Fund for a major surgery in Rome, Italy, scheduled for next Tuesday, have signalled their intention to sue the board managing the fund.

Speaking a press conference at his office in Woodbrook yesterday, Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen announced that he had issued the Life Fund Authority an ultimatum threatening to file a lawsuit if it failed to reverse its decision in relation to Shannen Luke by tomorrow.

Central to Ramdeen’s proposed judicial review claim, is a decision by the authority on April 10, to reject Luke’s application as it found her illness to be non-life threatening.

The authority also contended that its decision was based on its policy to not honour applications made for reimbursements of medical expenses.

Describing the decision as inexplicable, Ramdeen pointed out that Section 9 of the legislation which established the fund and the authority in 2010, allowed for reimbursement payments. Responding to questions on Luke’s case raised in Parliament earlier this month, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh revealed that the fund, established by former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, contained approximately $55 million.

“The parents would have had to wait for the application to be granted or rejected and then would have to raise the $2 million for the procedure and post-operative care. That is preposterous,” Ramdeen said.

Luke, of Brazil Village, east of Arima, was diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia Major when she was nine months old. Since then, she has been on a cocktail of medicine and has to do monthly blood transfusions. Luke is scheduled to undergo a hematopoietic cell transfusion (bone marrow transplant) at the Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome.

According to Ramdeen, the authority’s refusal to accept the application was partly based on the fact that her parents were able to pay the €158,000 (TT$1.2m) to the hospital for the operation to secure the date for the surgery before making their application to the authority.

The money was raised from donations, fund-raisers and from loans and a second mortgage taken out by her parents.

“The board did not consider that they have to pay for airline tickets to go to Italy. Did they not consider that the family has to stay with the child and cannot sleep on the streets. In this particular type of operation the recovery time is six to eight weeks,” Ramdeen said.

Referring to the authority’s claim that Luke’s illness is non-life threatening, Ramdeen said he had already retained the services of a qualified medical expert in the field, who was willing to challenge the finding if the lawsuit has to be filed.

Residents of Todds Road in Central Trinidad staged a fiery protest yesterday to highlight the lack of a proper water supply and deplorable roads.

They blocked the main entrance into the community that located off the Caparo Valley Brasso Road. Villagers piled tyres and other debris and set them ablaze around 6 am.

Police and the Fire Service doused the blaze which was later reignited. Councillor for the area Ryan Rampersad (Longdenville/Talparo of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation) said the residents were fed up with the state of the roads and water supply in the area.

He said the community of around 4,000 people receive a weekly supply but the pressure was too low to reach some households. Rampersad said the roads in the community were also deplorable. He said there was also a lack of proper recreational facilities. Rampersad said while the corporation maintained recreation grounds there were no funds available to install lights and jogging tracks. He said the residents intended to continue to stage demonstrations until their pleas were heard.

Three people including an elderly man and an unidentified woman were among six road fatalities which took place at the weekend, making it the deadliest for the year, police said.

In the first instance, 38-year-old Kevin Agostini, of Guaico, Sangre Grande was killed when the car he was driving collided with another driven by Michael Samaroo, 32, of Kelly Village, Caroni.

Police said the accident took place around 4.15 am at the Mausica intersection along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. Agostini died en route to the Arima Health Facility. Police are expected to review closed circuit camera footage to determine what happened.

The second road death took place later that night after a woman was struck while attempting to cross the Southern Main Road at Mc Bean, Couva. Police said around 11.40 pm, the woman was crossing when she was hit by a 59-year-old Freeport man. The woman is yet to be identified.

The following day, 78-year-old Albert Hernandez, of Boys Lane, D’Abadie was knocked down while trying to cross the Priority Bus Route. Police said around 5.20 am Hernandez was at the Boys Lane traffic light about to cross when he was hit by a car driven by a 24-year-old Special Reserve police officer.

Three other people died in two separate accidents.

Kevin Frederick, 24 and passenger Kerelle Nicholson, 20, both of Cocorite Road, Arima died in an accident on Sunday along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.

The other death was Air Guardsman Sgt Christian Guevarra, 38 who was killed when the vehicle in which he was a passenger crashed into a culvert along the SS Erin Road around 5 am Saturday.

The six deaths took the road death toll to 30 for the year, 18 less than last year.

A group of hikers who were rescued by the Coast Guard after being left stranded for three hours in the dark, windy shores of Chacachacare Island are now demanding a full refund from the organisers.

They are also calling for a boycott of Adventure Seekers of T&T, the group which organised the hike last Saturday.

On its Facebook page yesterday, Adventure Seekers apologised to the patrons and promised a partial refund but their apology triggered outrage from the patrons and other people.

On the group’s Facebook page, Kern Richards said he and his girlfriend almost lost their lives. Another patron Kele Taylor said the hike was supposed to start at 5 pm but patrons were left standing from 4.45 pm to 6.15 pm as officials waited for late comers.

When they finally boarded at Crews Inn, Taylor said the boat was overcrowded.

“(There was) no safety briefing on the boat. No roll call. No issuing of life jackets. There were children on board - we were terrified,” Taylor stated.

In the midst of rough seas, the overcrowded boat began experiencing engine problems and could not berth alongside the jetty so patrons had to be lifted off.

Tiffany Dhaniram said the boat was drifting towards the rocks.

Reshma Dookhan wrote, “Throughout the entire event none of the team members communicated anything. Even when we got to the light house there was no announcements as to how long we were going to rest. I honestly felt as though we had chartered a boat and had gone to DDI (Down de Islands) by ourselves.”

Others complained that guides and first aiders were not helpful.

“Time management was an issue throughout the entire hike. We already started late, no announcements were made on arrival at the lighthouse,” Taylor wrote.

The patrons also complained that life jackets were not provided, not even to children although the sea was rough and many could not swim. Narisa Y. Mohammed said when she asked for two life jackets for her nieces she was told that they are only given in cases of emergency.

The patrons accused the Adventure Seekers of leaving them on the island until the Coast Guard came at 1 am.

Lena Montano-Bermudez said it was a Coast Guard employee who was on the hike who organised the rescue mission.

Contacted yesterday, a representative from Adventure Seekers, who only identified herself as Tinneil, said the group had been organising tours for five years.

Asked whether there were certified first aid personnel on the tours, Tenneil said yes. Asked whether patrons will be given a full refund, she said that decision has not yet been taken. Asked why patrons were not given life jackets, she said she was driving and could not answer any more questions.

Adventure Seekers responds

In an apology, Adventure Seekers said it chartered two vessels Island Prince and Island Princess for the 90 hikers but Island Prince was out on another job so everyone was allowed to board Island Princess.

“Coordinators were not informed by the captain of any issues with the Island Princess until it departed for the Chacachacare Island. We would in no way leave persons behind or simply ‘jump’ on-board another vessel knowing of mechanical issues. We can guarantee it is not a case where we knew the vessel was experiencing problems and called another,” the statement read.

“After hearing that the vessel was in distress, the captain and crew made a decision to shuttle persons already on the vessel back to Crews Inn, then to return and assist the vessel. Upon hearing this member of the Adventure Seekers group called the Coast Guard to ensure safety before our return,” the group said.

Adventure Seekers said it will be working on a compensation/package/incentive to all customers who participated.

“Details will be posted here (on Facebook) as well as patrons notified,” the group said. The hike was arranged at a cost of $200 per person and included transfers to and from the island, photography, guides and snack pack. It was supposed to last from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Property tax pressure. The Opposition United National Congress and Movement for Social Justice have slammed Government’s “rush” towards implementing the property tax and cited problems with mechanisms to handle the process.

On the flip side, as citizens work towards the May 22 deadline for submission of documents for residential properties being requested, assurance came yesterday from the Finance Ministry’s (Property Tax) Division that a minimum of documents may be accepted in that category.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert also clarified some queries arising in the matter, after the ministry on April 19 announced moves towards start of the collection exercise.

In this first phase, the ministry has called for property owners to complete a Valuation Return Form (VRF) and return that, plus supporting documents - including photos of the property - to various Valuation Divisions.

The information is for the calculation of the property’s Annual Rental Value (ARV). The tax will be based on three per cent of that ARV.

According to the ministry, residential owners are being asked to supply 13 documents. Industrial and commercial owners are being asked to supply more.

But MSJ leader David Abdulah, who cited a number of problems arising from Government’s process, said the May 22 deadline “isn’t a realistic deadline and must be altered.”

Abdulah yesterday expressed deep concern about Government’s capacity to handle the confidentiality of home owners’ information - which includes property photos - and that improper handling could see the material being used to target people for crime.

Yesterday, a spokesman handling scores of queries from the public at the Property Tax Division said owners should try to supply as many documents as possible. But if they don’t have any, they should still fill out the form, including location of the premises and its purpose, plus a phone number, the official said. The spokesman said an assessor will subsequently contact the owner to deal with the situation. Also, in the event of a minimum of documents available, they said the most useful document will be the owner’s previous property tax payment receipt (from 2009 when last payments were collected), as well as TTEC or WASA bills.

Yesterday Imbert - when asked by T&T Guardian to respond on several concerns - including the MSJ’s claim that he reneged on 2016 statements to implement the 2009 property tax levels - said: “Reliance should be placed on information provided in the 2017 Budget debate. Using outdated information from prior periods can lead to error.”

He said the 2017 Budget Statement (pages 11-13 and 43) of September 30, 2016, clarifies the issue.

“It should be noted that the Budget Statement of 2017 is the most updated statement on the implementation of the property tax,” he said.

Imbert confirmed that the annual rentable value of a house is calculated based on reasonable estimates and will depend on size, age, condition, location, access, parking, use etcetera. He said Property Tax forms must be submitted by the owner and not by anyone else - such as a valuator. If forms and assessments are done by home owners, he added, a visit from an assessor would be a must only if there is a query.

On whether landlords would pass the burden on to tenants, Imbert said, “The Government has no authority or control over rental rates for private property.”

The Budget had indicated there would be exemptions for home owners unable to afford the tax.

However, Valuation officials said yesterday that such people will still have to fill out the Valuation forms and after that a determination will be made on their case. Exemptions regarding the tax, which will apply under Section 16 (Property Tax act) include for churches, land used exclusively for churches/chapels/places of worship of any religious denomination, cemetery/burial grounds. Exemptions don’t apply to land owned by churches/religious organisations and rented/leased for purposes other than religious.

Exemptions also apply to educational properties, land belonging to the state/statutory authority, state enterprises, as well as hospitals and land owned by a foreign government or international organisation in which T&T is a member.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who expressed concern “about Government’s rush” to implement the tax, said the tax will have a “damaging impact on citizens.”

“The move to effect this tax is causing great concern among citizens already reeling from rising crime levels, increasing food prices, job losses and inadequate health services. It’ll cause further hardship for the unemployed, pensioners, the poor and vulnerable,” she added.

Noting her People’s Partnership government had resisted a property tax, but favoured a tax regime based on the old Land and Building taxes prior to 2010, she added, “ There’s lack of information regarding the calculation of the Annual Rental Values (ARV) for properties.

“Also, the PNM Government has failed to complete the process of local government reform, and as a result no mechanisms are in place to ensure that property tax is spent on local projects.”

The UNC is holding a series of constituency meetings from today up to May 4 to discuss the tax impact and allow citizens to voice concerns.

Today’s meeting in Penal will feature former Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran.

RESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS NEEDED

Previous Land & Building Taxes Receipt for property identified

Deed /RPO Certificate Of Title

Land Survey Plan or Land Area.

Site Plan

Building Plan

Rent/Lease Agreement

Completion Certificate

Town & Country Planning Approval (Status of Land).

Town & Country Planning Approved Use (Change of Use).

Photograph of exterior of the Property

Sketch Of Building

WASA Bill (no more than 3 months old)

T&TEC Bill (no more than 3 months old)

GOVT MISLED PUBLIC - MSJ

MSJ’s David Abdulah, who accused Government of misleading the public, yesterday said, “There must be some form of property tax as it’s always existed in the form of the Land and Buildings Tax. But the issue is how it’s being done, whether it will place an unfair burden on some and whether it’s just a method to raise revenue or to be part of a wider reform of local government.

“Prime Minister Keith Rowley and Finance Minister Colm Imbert must come clean on the issue. At a media conference on May 15, 2016, Mr Imbert stated the tax will be equal to the amount paid in land and building tax in 2009.”

Abdulah noted that Imbert, in April 2016, reiterated Government would seek to collect the amount payable under the old Land/Buildings Taxes for 2009 and assessments were being done to bring property rolls up to date.

“In other words, the PNM’s stated intention and commitment was to make legal provisions so that property owners/occupiers would initially pay the amount of tax they paid in 2009. (So) Government has reneged on a commitment it gave in the Parliament.

“Having heard absolutely nothing from the Minister re: property tax for many months the public suddenly saw ads in the press advising of a May 22nd deadline to submit the completed Property Valuation Return Form together with 13 supporting documents.”

Abdulah claimed citizens risked a $500 fine if they didn’t submit forms by a certain date. He cited section 7 of the Valuation of Land amendment act (act no 17/2009).

But the Finance Ministry last night stated only courts - not Government - could lay charges or invoke “fines.”

Abdulah added, “Can the Valuation Division process the more than 500,000 forms with supporting documents? Do they have requisite staff and data processing (ICT). What system is in place to cross-reference the forms submitted and the data supposedly collected by field teams?

“The PNM’s position during the local government reform consultations was the property tax should go to regional corporations. Today the cart is being put before the horse, as it seems the main driver of property tax is to raise revenue.”

MSJ also demanded:

• Imbert fulfils the Parliamentary commitment that property owners/occupiers pay the 2009 Land and Building Tax amount for 2017.

• A proper education/information process to enable property owners to comply with requirements of the Valuation of Land Act,(2009).

• That Imbert states the Valuation Division’s capacity to process all forms/supporting documents and gives a realistic deadline for the submission of same.

• That he informs T&T on the confidentiality of the information submitted to the Valuation Division (eg copies of deeds can be digitally altered to aggravate the land fraud that now abounds; estimates of property values/photos of properties can be used to target persons for robbery and other serious crimes)

• On what objective basis will the Valuation Division fairly assess the annual rental value of properties? Will there be equity of treatment for pensioners/others in difficult financial circumstances?

• That the new property tax only go into effect when local government reform is completed

• That roll out of the new property tax take place in fiscal 2018 after all necessary checks/balances are implemented.

The agent for the Super Fast Galicia, Intercontinental Shipping Limited (ICSL), last week challenged Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan claim that it had an 18-month contract to service the sea bridge to October 31, 2017.

By letter dated April 21, Theresa Hadad, the attorney representing ICSL, denied the charter hire for the Galicia was extended for a further period of 18 months from May 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017. Hadad was responding to a letter dated April 20 from attorney Donna Denbow, who represented the Port Authority of T&T, which had raised the issue and called for ICSL to honour the 18-month contract or face legal action.

In her letter, a copy of which the T&T Guardian obtained, Hadad said “it is our considered position that no such contract came into existence and further that your client has for the first time only sought to advance this position by letter dated April 20, 2017.”

Hadad noted an invitation to tender dated July 26, 2016, in which ICSL participated for the charter/purchase of a cargo and passenger vessel which intended to start operation by December 1, 2016.

By virtue of that invitation, Hadad said the Minister of Works and Transport failed to enter into a charter party with ICSL. The letter noted that it was “widely reported in the media that Cabinet had rejected the 18-month extension recommended by the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) and your client took no steps to refute said reports or to assure our client in writing or otherwise that a charter party would be forthcoming.” In addition, she said Denbow’s client “specifically requested that they be invoiced on a monthly basis for the continued usage of the Super Fast Galicia and our client duly issued invoices accordingly and on a monthly basis.” Hadad also noted that Sinanan also “publicly referred to the charter of the Galicia as that of a month to month arrangement.”

In the absence of a charter party with the ministry, Hadad said “our client was unable to conclude an 18-month extension charter party with the head owners of the Super Fast Galicia.” This position, she said, was disclosed to Sinanan in meetings and telephone discussions and was detailed in a letter dated March 28, 2017, to the minister which was not responded to. Hadad said as a result of this, “our client duly provided yours with notice that the month to month arrangement would be brought to an end.”

Having served notice that the Galicia would depart on April 14, Hadad said Sinanan “met with ICSL on April 6 and raised no issue of the 18-month contract. Rather, she said the minister “specifically requested that the vessel delay her intended departure to facilitate the requirements of the national populace over the Easter weekend” and “discussions ensued as to the arrangements for redelivery of the vessel and whether an alternative vessel could be sourced by our client to replace the Galicia.”

Hadad said at a second meeting on April 10 the same issues were discussed. ICSL, she said, subsequently secured an extension of the time for the departure of the Galicia to April 21 and based on a request from Sinanan, proposed a suitable alternative vessel to Sinanan for consideration at a comparable rate of hire.

But noting that Sinanan also waged a war against ICSL in the media, Hadad said “your client is not entitled to approbater and reprobate in respect of the issue as to whether a contract has been entered into and/or is subsisting and more importantly the existence of such contract does not arise at the whim and convenience of your client in response merely to political concerns or expediency.”

She argued that if Sinanan had taken steps to “unlawfully delay or detain the Super Fast Galicia, both our client and the head owners will sustain significant losses including but not limited to another arrangement at a higher charter rate.”She added too that if Sinanan chose to go to court for interim relief, “we advise that we have our client’s instructions to attend upon same and to oppose any such application.”

The Galicia left these shores last weekend after completing its final sailing on the sea bridge.

The country’s largest business grouping, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, says Government must waste no time in fully engaging the business community and the wider national community on the implementation of the Property Tax.

In a statement yesterday, the T&T Chamber said with the current global decline in the price of oil and gas, it is “fully cognisant of the need for Government to find alternative sources of revenue to help close the gap created by decreased income.” However, it said while it has no problem with the re-implementation of the tax, it is of the view that Government needs to be “clear and transparent in the process.”

It recalled that when Finance Minister Colm Imbert first put the population on notice that the Property Tax would be re-introduced in his budget presentation last year, “we were adamant then, as we are now, that any measures put in place should not result in the de-incentivisation of the private sector.”

The chamber said: “Considering the urgent thrust to increase non-energy exports and to promote the manufacturing sector, a six per cent tax on industrial properties, which includes the installed cost of plant, machinery and equipment, seems counter-intuitive to the desired outcome of incentivising investment. It might also be regarded as unnecessarily burdensome.”

The chamber is also concerned that the “average home owner is currently in a quandary regarding the precise calculation of the Annual Rental Value (ARV) for their respective properties, as Government has given no clear indication regarding how this is to be done.”

It added that when one considers the fact that a significant percentage of the population comprises pensioners living off fixed incomes, “one can only hope that proper measures will be implemented for those most vulnerable in our society.”

Ironically, it said “those most vulnerable appear to now include business owners and investors straddled with a severe seven-year low regarding occupancy rates in residential and commercial properties.”

The chamber also urged Government to be “transparent in the use of the funds collected through the tax, to avoid a situation similar to that of health surcharge, where there is a strong perception that the population does not receive good value for money.”

It noted that since the announcement last week, much has been ventilated about the property tax.

“Quite justifiably, the comments are largely calls for greater clarity and the elimination of much of the ambiguity currently surrounding the process.”

In light of this, the chamber is suggesting the Ministry of Finance take the lead on cogent discussions, informational sessions and public education campaigns to ensure we are all on the same page regarding the new taxation mechanism, adding it was ready to assist.

Petrotrin is now saying that 300 barrels of oil spilled in the Guaracara River from a ruptured storage tank, but fishermen are saying oil has stretched over a five-mile radius into the Gulf of Paria.

In its first statement after the spill on Sunday the State-owned company said only 20 barrels of oil had leaked from one of its storage tanks. But the Environmental Management Authority said on Monday that 20,000 gallons (a barrel contains 42 gallons) of bunker fuel had escaped.

Dozens of species of plant and marine life have been affected by the spill which was being cleaned up yesterday with dispersants and containment booms.

Fishermen said the devastation was rampant and are fearful that the latest spill will affect fish sales.

In a statement yesterday, Petrotrin said it is continuing to contain and recover the oil spilled from Tank 70.

“Aerial surveys and monitoring continued this morning alongside other clean-up and recovery activities,” Petrotrin said.

The company said “Estimates from the Incident Command Centre indicate that an estimated 300 barrels had entered the sea and tidal conditions suggest that the oil is heading in a north westerly direction.”

Petrotrin said its operations personnel as well as representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Environment Management Authority and other regulatory bodies were involved in recovery efforts.

“Cognisant of our responsibility to ensure the clean-up is completed in a timely manner and with minimal impact to the environment, our clean-up crews are working around the clock and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Plan has been mobilized and implemented,” the company said.

Petrotrin also said any affected animal identified will be re-rehabilitated in established centres in Trinidad. Anyone with information are asked to contact Petrotrin at 24-hour emergency contact number 658-SAFE (7233).

Chairman of the EMA Nadra Nathai- Gyan said the Oilspill Contingency Plan has been activated and the matter was being handled by the Ministry of Energy.

Asked how much oil had spilled, Nathai-Gyan said, “It is still an estimate because as far as I am aware they have not completed the audit of how much has spilled into the sea. The majority of oil that entered into the sea has moved to the west of Pointe-a-Pierre. They have confirmed the estimated amount to be 300 barrels but we are awaiting the audited amounts.”

She said the EMA has been monitoring the issue closely to ensure that the clean-up is done in the interest of the environment.

Secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea Gary Aboud said Tank 20 contained 150,000 barrels of fuel oil which contains high levels of heavy metals and are toxic contaminants.

“The tank is improperly cited near to the San Fernando General Hospital and near the shoreline.

“Today Petrotrin reported 300 barrels of oil was spilt. Tank #70 has a capacity of 150,000 barrels and our reports are that it was full. Therefore where is the balance of 149,700 barrels?” Aboud asked.

Probe ordered into incident—Khan

Energy Minister Franklin Khan said last Sunday’s oil spill into the Guaracara Rivers did not flow further past Pointe-a-Pierre into any other southern areas - like Coffee Beach or La Brea - as previous spills did.

Speaking in the Senate, he said five residents had reported feeling nauseaous after the spill and were treated at the Augustus Long Hospital.

He said the spill occurred around 2.45 pm when Tank 70 at Petrotrin sprung a leak at its base. It contained 12,853 barrels of oil.

The majority of spilled oil was contained within the refinery, but some escaped into the marine environment, he said. This was skimmed and returned to the port area via barge and dispersant materials were used to protect surrounding south western areas.

Khan said the occurrence will be investigated to find out why the containment failed and to guide future asset integrity and in-house inspection frameworks. (Gail Alexander) 

Southern areas which have been without pipe-borne water for the past month should see an improvement in the next three to four days since the Water and Sewerage Authority is increasing production, Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said yesterday.

Hinds gave the assurance in the Senate yesterday, replying to queries from Opposition Senator Wayne Sturge on increasing complaints about lack of water in Penal and other southern areas.

There were fiery protests in Moruga and Todds Road, in Central Trinidad on Monday over bad road and infrequent water supply.

Hinds said based on dry season conditions, WASA has taken steps to redistribute available supplies to customers all over T&T.

Production has been increased at Pt Lisas Desalination plant by two million gallons daily, and at other WASA plants in Caroni, South and Tobago by 11.3 million gallons daily. Hinds said this will assist southern and other areas.

“There’ll be an impact on service in the next three to four days in these areas,” he said.

Senate President Christine Kangaloo approved an Opposition request to have the water situation debated as a matter of urgent national importance after Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen noted schools and usinesses have had to close early due to lack of supply.

The ban on meat products imported from Brazil has been lifted by the Ministry of Agriculture.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the temporary restriction on both the import and retail sale of meat products from Brazil including corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets was no longer in effect.

The temporary restriction, which was imposed on March 21, was lifted following clear and unambiguous assurances from the Brazilian government yesterday that addressed outstanding food-safety concerns.

The correspondence from Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture Blairo Maggi to Minister Clarence Rambharat confirmed there had been no exports of meat products to Trinidad and Tobago from any of the processing plants under investigation by Brazilian authorities.

In his correspondence, Maggi reiterated the Brazilian government’s rigorous audit and risk-assessment protocols for its meat products as they relate to food inspection and food quality.

Following the decision to lift the restriction on Brazilian meat imports, the Ministry of Agriculture has advised the Ministry of Health to discontinue the recall of meat products imported from Brazil prior to March 21.

Importers, supermarkets and other wholesale and retail outlets are once more permitted to sell meat products imported from Brazil including corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets originating from Brazil and imported into T&T prior to March 21.

Also, with immediate effect, the Ministry of Agriculture will resume issuing import permits for meat products from Brazil.

Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon says he has no intention of apologising for the demolition of four historic buildings, which he claimed were encouraging crime, being used as a dumping ground and haven for street dwellers.

The buildings—the old Warden’s Office, Fire Station, Magistrate’s Court and the Manzanilla Post Office which were blocked off with galvanise sheetings months ago—were demolished on Saturday during the corporation’s national clean-up campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Local and Rural Development Kazim Hosein.

Hosein posted images to his Facebook page in which he is seen operating an excavator to begin demolition of one of the buildings.

However, Rondon warned if in two months’ time no restoration work is undertaken on the old Post Office building, located in the heart of Sangre Grande, that too will be flattened.

In defending his decision, Rondon said he has no regrets of ripping down the antiquated buildings which were over a century old and had become a health and safety hazard to burgesses.

Rondon said for 17 years talks have been ongoing to restore the historic buildings which never got off the ground.

As a result, he said council along with the corporation’s building and health inspectors and building engineers took the decision to have them demolished since last year, even though the National Trust of T&T and social group Friends of Sangre Grande had pleaded with the corporation since 2015 to preserve the sites.

He said the corporation published in the newspapers its intention to tear down the buildings.

“On a regular basis we received reports that those buildings smelt of human filth left there by homeless people. What was most disturbing was that rape had been committed in these buildings as well. The dilapidated structures encouraged vagrancy and posed as a health and safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists. Many times the vagrants lit things in the buildings, which threatened other buildings. I could not sit down when we have a clean up campaign in the corporation and allow this one to pass by. I have no regrets of demolishing the buildings, nor would I apologise.”

In removing the debris from the old warden’s office, Rondon said they discovered human bones.

Rondon said TTPost gave the corporation permission to destroy the old Manzanilla Post Office since the building was no longer structurally sound.

“When we did what we had to do now everybody objecting. But I know we are within our rights to do the demolition. I am not here to destroy... but these buildings had to go. It was a disaster waiting to happen,” Rondon said.

By June, Rondon said if no restoration is undertaken on “the old Post Office Building that too will be demolished as well. I am serious about that.”

SADDENED BY DECISION

Chairman of the National Trust of T&T Margaret Mc Dowall in a statement yesterday expressed sadness that yet another demolition had taken place, ostensibly with the blessing of the State.

She said the Warden’s Office, built in 1909 signalled of rise of prominence of the town of Sangre Grande as a major service centre.

“Despite neglect the building was sound and could have continued to play a significant role in serving and enhancing the town centre for another century. A clean-up campaign as this was billed to be, would have only needed to remove a tree, which had been allowed to grow into one side of the building,” the release said.

Having met Rondon in 2015, after the Concerned Citizens of Sangre Grande were warned of threats to demolish the old Post Office, Mc Dowall stated a tour was conducted and they outlined the process that needed to be followed regarding these buildings.

Since then, the National Trust continued to communicate with the corporation informing Rondon that its organisation had published its intention to list the Post Office and the Warden’s Office in the Gazette.

Mc Dowall applauded TTPost who is working with the community to revitalise the old Post Office building which has been found to be structurally sound.

“Demolishing buildings to make up for wanton neglect and disinterest is not a logical solution,” the release stated.

In a telephone interview, Mc Dowall said while she understood Rondon’s concerns, “At the same time the residents felt connected to the buildings, especially the old Post Office.”