-Tourism Minister checks on activity
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad Thursday visited the Hope, and No. 7 and 8 beaches to check on enhancement works in progress for the upcoming annual Easter kite flying competition and chutney beach jam. “As you can see works, are currently in progress and the area is being cleaned and cleared for the hosting of the annual Easter kite flying activity. I must assure you that works will be done in the stipulated time frame and the beach will be ready in time for the upcoming celebrations,” he said.
The Minister’s comment stemmed from allegations by sections of the media that the area is in a deplorable state and not ready to host the event.
At Hope beach Thursday it was evident that cleaning and clearing were ongoing. Minister Prashad said the bridge that is used by patrons to traverse to and from the beach will be rehabilitated with the addition of eight more 2×4 planks and rails.
He assured that a follow-up visit will be conducted on March 27 to ensure works are completed.
The Tourism Minister however cautioned that although there is a massive cleaning and clearing campaign, the workers are not to destroy any of the mangroves on the beach since they serve as a key component in sea defence.
Minister Prashad said that the areas will also be fully equipped with toilet facilities.
Representatives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), and the promoters, Lynton Luke and Tameshwer Narine of the chutney beach jam, were also present at the exercise. (GINA)