Tamarind Square to remain open for now

Stapleton-Seaforth gave the assurance yesterday during her testimony in a lawsuit brought against the corporation by a homeless man who is challenging a decision to lock him and other homeless people out of Tamarind Square at nights.

Hugh Bernard has taken issue with the corporation for implementing the measure without providing alternative facilities.

The city corporation had also given assurances that the final gate to the square will not be locked until the matter is resolved in the courts.

In her testimony, Stapleton- Seaforth said it was never the intention to lock any of the gates at the square, including the fifth one.

She also said the corporation did not place the locks or locked the four of the five gates but had received it that way when the contractor hired to erect the fences handed over the square.

Stapleton-Seaforth was also adamant that it was never the POSCC intention to restrict access to Bernard or the homeless at the square.

In her affidavit, she said the action taken to lock the gates was to protect the public from grossly unsanitary conditions and due to health, safety and environment concerns.

She, however, could not say if keeping the four gates locked addressed the public health concerns of the corporation.

The trial, which is being presided over by Justice Eleanor Donaldson- Honeywell, will continue on April 3, with the testimony of the Public Health Inspector Of the POSCC.

Representing Bernard are Christopher Hamel Smith SC, Imran Ali and Krystal Richardson while Senior Counsel John Jeremie and Kerwyn Garcia appear for the Corporation.