I would like to commend the Minister of National Diversity, Clifton De Coteau and Chairman of the National Trust, Vel Lewis on their prompt action in calling for a meeting with the Mayor of San Fernando to hear his explanation for the destruction of two historical buildings in the second city. I hope that the minister reads the riot act to all those concerned to ensure that the demolitions stop.
Mr Muradali's reported reason was that he did not know that the Coterie building and the old abattoir on King's Wharf were earmarked for restoration is simply not good enough. It is high time that we start appreciating our heritage and stop mowing it down.The people of San Fernando have been looking forward to the restoration of the old wharf buildings and their designation as a historic site for a long time. How is it the mayor did not know?
It is very heartening to see that the minister and the chairman are taking their responsibility as the guardians of these heritage buildings and monuments seriously and I fully expect that the next move would be the official listing of all these sites so that they will be protected by law from the arbitrary decisions of politicians and individuals who don't know any better.
Pauline Philip
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