Scarborough continues beautification drive, removes illegal vendors

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is seeking to curb the number of illegal structures in Scarborough, in keeping with the Scarborough Beautification Project. The programme began in 2011 and has since demolished 65 illegal structures.

Speaking at the post-Executive Council news conference on Wednesday, secretary for Health and Social Services Claudia Groome–Duke said; “Since 2011, the Division of Health and Social Services, through the Health Committee, have been working in collaboration with the Scarborough Enhancement Project under the chief administrator of the THA.”  However, she said despite the assembly’s valiant efforts people continue to vend in prohibited areas.

“We would have removed sixty-five unauthorised and unsafe structures. What we are noticing as we remove some structures, some people are going back to that area. We are working assiduously on this matter because we know it is against the law to move to an area especially those places where we have put up ‘no vending’ signs,” she said. 

Groome-Duke said the THA refuses to allow Scarborough to be turned into a shanty town and has written to the assistant Commissioner of Police Tobago, Brian Headley, to deal with those who break the law. “The Health Committee and the Division would have written to the assistant Commissioner of Police seeking their support in ensuring that we maintain the law in keeping with the issue of illegal vending and unplanned development of Scarborough,” she said.