Pleasantville residents were involved in a heated clash over a beautification project in the area yesterday morning.
My Body My Choice Movement leader Tricia Hamilton who is a resident from the area complained that the project which included a shed at Pleasantville Terrace was unsafe and unfair to other residents.
However, Hamilton who was joined by First Wave Movement leader Umar Abdullah, who is not from the community, were confronted by other residents who defended the project, stating that it was good for the community.
Hamilton argued that other vendors who operated sheds in the community were displaced after the San Fernando City Corporation destroyed their sheds.
However, Kenneth Wallace who described himself as an entrepreneur said he built the shed and has been doing landscaping/enhancement projects throughout the community to uplift the area.
He said during the pandemic he also distributed hampers to residents who were facing hardships and have been moulding the young people to also become entrepreneurs.
Resident Clint Williams, however, complained that his booth was one of 15 that were broken down. Williams said they did not even get compensation.
He questioned why Wallace was given permission to build the structure when his booth was destroyed.
When contacted, Pleasantville councillor Robert Paris said the public health department and the building inspector took the decision to have the sheds removed.
He explained that the sheds were blocking the footpath and in breach of public health standards. Noting that the nation is on the cusp of Local Government reform, he said for the past two years Pleasantville has been leading the way.
From the community gardens to the beautification projects, he said these projects are aimed at adding equality to people’s homes. Adding that the projects are funded and carried out by business people and residents, he said not one taxpayer dollar has been spent.
