PoS begins cleaning up

Mayor Joel Martinez described the initiative as “fantastic,” noting that the intermittent rainfall did not stop the hundreds of volunteers, individuals and organisations from getting the job done.

Volunteers included groups from organisations such as the Cadets, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team (REACT).

“All over Port-of-Spain we are coordinating contractors and volunteers.

There is a lot of equipment on the roads but everyone, including the residents, are quite enthusiastic,” he said.

Martinez said the launch got off to an early start, with support from the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Kazim Hosein, and Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young.

He noted that a building located at the back of the Central Market, owned by National Flour Mills, was demolished by some of the crew, and the site was in the process of being cleaned up. He said the building was sometimes occupied by the homeless, but that it was unsafe.

The work that was started included the removal of derelict vehicles, cleaning garbage from rivers, clearing abandoned lots, de-silting parts of the East Dry River, and replacing all the blown bulbs in the city.

“A lot of people are taking the opportunity to remove their bigger pieces of junk from their homes and we are sure that it would continue throughout the week,” he said.

Martinez added that the Port of Spain City Corporation was coordinating with several stakeholders including WASA, TTEC, and the business community who, he said, came out and supported with volunteers as well as financial assistance.