Good work by CEPEP Pt Fortin

THE EDITOR: Kindly permit me space in your newspaper to speak about the CEPEP projects now taking place throughout this country. Firstly I must state that I am a big critic of the programme, simply because of what I have seen taking place in most of the areas, some people in blue uniforms just cutting, clearing and painting stones, trees and other objects in white wash and other colours including our national colours of red, white and black, which I have found to be monotonous and in poor taste. However most recently, I had the opportunity to travel to the Granville Beach Resort in Cedros, via Point Fortin, where I came across a few CEPEP projects and I must say that it was like a breath of fresh air. The first one was on the compound of the Guapo Government Primary School where I saw a magnificent bit of landscaping, featuring various types and colours of teas and other shrubs, which was expertly done and almost made the old wooden school building appear not to be there. The reconstruction of a new school on that site will create a most beautiful landmark in that village. Further down on the Dunlop roundabout there is a bit of landscaping, which has the potential to create a beautiful relaxation park, but again the painting of stones and other objects tend to take away from the natural beauty of the park. The introduction of shade trees will help.

Then we stopped at Cap-de-Ville junction, a popular stop-off point, where we had some refreshments and awaited other friends going to Granville. There was this beautiful bit of landscaping in progress. The first thing that got my attention was the elaborate use of rocks and stones, all in their natural forms and colours of grey, brown, white and various shades of orange forming beds of marigold, crotons and bound bush, with different colours of hibiscus and other flowers and shrubs which appear to be done by someone who knows what he is about and who has properly planned the project. On that site there is a sign that reads, “Another CEPEP Project by Point Fortin Environmental Services Limited.” I also noticed preparation in progress for the construction of what seems to be carat sheds with benches I hope for relaxation. What I liked most in that garden was the rock garden of grey face stones and rocks with different types of cactus and other desert plants, no paint whatsoever. I asked who was the contractor at one of the bars on the junction and I was told that it is one Paul Lara. I would like to congratulate Mr Lara on what I see as one of the best parks to be created in this country (by the way, you have the name of my most favourite cricketer, Brian Lara). I only wish that some of the other CEPEP contractors could read this article and see it fit to make a trip to Point Fortin to see the work that is being done in that area before continuing with their projects. They would surely get some new ideas and maybe people, including myself, will start looking at CEPEP differently. Way to go Point Fortin.

S MOHAMMED
Central