The Samaan tree opposite Casuals Corner in the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, was chopped down after being deemed a hazard. Director of Horticulture Services at the Ministry of Agriculture Patricia Maharaj revealed that in a telephone interview on Monday.
"Every year before Carnival all the trees are assessed by officials from the Forestry Division and some are recommended to be taken down," Maharaj said. She said the tree was unhealthy and had termite damage. Maharaj said that particular tree was not the only one cut down at the Savannah but could not tell exactly how many were removed recently because of similar problems.
She added: "Sometimes trees and branches are in danger of falling and pose a danger to passers-by. We try to make sure that no actual harm is done by conducting these assessments. "After the trees are assessed, the next step is a replanting exercise." Maharaj said the cutting of trees in the Savannah was a routine procedure conducted in the public's interest.