Curepe vendor bows to demolition squad

UNLIKE three weeks ago, when he vowed to remain in his store next to the Curepe Priority Bus Route Mall as a means of protest, and dared workers of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation to demolish his business place over his head, store-owner Mansur Ali relented yesterday without a whimper.

In fact, he was not even present for the demolition, choosing instead to send one of his representives to collect a bag of “fez” (skull caps) and his cash register with instructions that the demolition crew could do what they want with the rest. At the first attempt to demolish the structure on February 13, senior members of the Jamaat-al- Muslimeen and manager of the mall Neal Greaves had intervened claiming that Ali had been paying a $300 rent for six years and was legally entitled to use the area.

Greaves also claimed that the ministry — “The Ministry of Community Development” had instructed him to do something with the site, which was in a dilapidated condition and he had done something by allowing Ali to rent it. However, the Corporation, through its chief executive officer Pamela Doon, had claimed the structure was illegal. After the intervention, the TPRC had decided to hold its hand.

Doon, in an interview with Newsday yesterday, said “following a series of discussions with Greaves and Ali, a letter was sent to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Community Development explaining the situation and our reason for demolishing. “We received a response from the PS saying the building was not authorised. Greaves was given no authority to give permission and we could go ahead and demolish. “We subsequently informed Mr Ali of our intentions and here we are.” The CEO also explained that because of the situation and the persons involved, they had decided to double up on security.

The Corporation police force was joined by members of the Northern Division Task Force, officers of Tunapuna, St Joseph and other police stations — all armed to the teeth. Efforts to contact Greaves proved futile. The clothing and glass showcases in the store located to the east of the PBR Mall were taken to the TPRC for safe keeping.