Black Immigrant Daily News

Tobago

Division of Quarries, Infrastructure an Urban Development workers on site at the Gru-Gru Patch bridge project. –

THE Division of Infrastructure. Quarries and Urban Development said the construction of a bridge for the Gru-Gru Patch community at Providence is moving apace and is expected to be completed by mid-October.

In a recent press release, the division said the demolition of the previous decades-old structure took place on August 9, and its in-house team oversaw the casting of the base of the bridge last Thursday.

According to engineering aide Dennely Grant, “The timeline is 45 days but seeing that we are in the rainy season, we are trying our best to expedite things so that it should not take more than the…estimated (time) for the construction of the culvert.”

The demolished bridge, constructed in the 1970s, had designs flaws which impeded its ability to accommodate large volumes of water during periods of heavy rainfall or the rainy season. As a consequence, generations of families at Gru-Gru Patch have faced the distressing circumstances of having to wade through or be marooned by flood waters, which tended to persist for several hours.

The new bridge or culvert crossing is expected to bring relief to approximately 50 residents and provide drivers with easier access to the community; the roadway will facilitate two-way traffic.

Two culverts with a diameter of two metres each will replace the previous culverts. They are three times the size, which makes for a taller crossing and wider passage to accommodate the volumes of water.

Infrastructure Secretary and area representative, Trevor James said, “I am saddened that the cries of the residents fell on deaf ears for such a long time. This level of neglect is an indictment on representatives of the previous administrations and their interests

in serving people.

“Therefore, delivering for the residents at Gru-Gru Patch is much more than improving their standard living…to them, it is tantamount to justice.” James added that under his leadership, the division will focus closely on communities throughout Tobago that have been marginalised and are in dire need of intervention.

During construction, residents will be able to access their properties via a temporary crossing erected by the division, which was certified safe by the OSH department.

Additionally, a shuttle service is also available to take the residents from the temporary crossing into the village and vice versa.

The division said it remains committed to utilising modern technology and sourcing cost effective solutions to infrastructural issues on the island.

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In this undated photo, the Harbour Master is docked at Scotland Bay as a crew of volunteers disemback to clean up the area for Internatonal Coastal Cleanup Day. –

APPROXIMATELY 100 partygoers who were supposed to board the Gimme Liquor boat cruise, which was originally scheduled for the now-arrested Harbour Master boat, had to return home with their coolers filled with drinks on Sunday after a smaller replacement boat could not facilitate them.

Newsday understands police were at King’s Wharf, San Fernando, on Sunday afternoon to ensure the replacement boat did not sail over its capacity.

Organisers of the event told Newsday that after the Harbour Master was ordered by a Grenadian court to remain there, they had to book another vessel, which has about half the capacity.

“We already paid Harbour Master and now have to pay Sea Champion, so both ways we are losing. We had over 400 people booked for the event and the Sea Champion could only hold 290, that is what maritime officials told us.”

The promoter, who asked not to be named, said there were angry patrons waiting onshore to find out what would happen to their tickets – whether they would be refunded or used at a later event. He added that those who boarded the Sea Champion were among hose who arrived first, on a first-come, first-sail basis.

He said to facilitate those left behind, there was a plan to rent another vessel and have the two sail alongside each other, but that too had to be cancelled. He said there has been no conversation yet with the management of the Harbour Master about refunding.

The Harbour Master was arrested along with six Trinidadian men, including a police officer,  after last Wednesday night’s alleged assault on Grenada’s sporting hero Anderson Peters. The men are expected to appear in court on Monday.

John Alexander, 55, a deckhand from Arima; Mikhail John, 35, a sailor from San Juan; Captain Noel Cooper, 42; sailors Lance Wiggins, 45, and Sheon Jack, 28, both from Cocorite, were all charged with causing grievous harm and stealing. Maraval police officer Abiola Benjamin, 40, was also charged with assaulting Peters.

Alexander, John, Cooper, Wiggins and Jack were also charged with causing grievous harm to Kiddon Peters, Anderson’s brother.

On Sunday, Peters, the reigning world javelin champion, spoke out for the first time since the incident. In a Facebook post, Peters said since the incident it has been a rollercoaster for him, having gone from his silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, to the alleged assault.

“I know that you’re all concerned about my well-being, so please know that I’m feeling better than I was in the immediate aftermath. But it will be a long road to full recovery,” he said adding that he wanted positive thoughts for his brother as a result of the “de-humanising act.”

Varying video clips on social media showed what appeared to be Peters being thrown into the sea where the boat was docked. Different angles showed him backing away from someone and falling into the water. All videos showed him exchanging blows with at least three men while others held or tried to hold him.

The captain of the vessel said in a public statement on Saturday that the fight happened after Peters allegedly spat at him and tried to cuff him, causing his crew to become enraged. He said this happened after he had asked Peters four times to leave the vessel as it was preparing for another sailing.

With the Harbour Master impounded for an unknown time, other promoters said they are preparing backup plans while one said he will “wait and see.” The promoters asked for their event not to be named and also asked not be identified.

One of the events, scheduled for later this month, has approximately 500 tickets sold. Even though the Harbour Master is the only vessel with that capacity, the promoter was not worried.

“Our event is still some time away and we know the court date is tomorrow. Adrian (Scoon, one of the directors of the Harbour Master) is usually upfront with us with information. We saw what happened, but we have not called him yet. Worst-case scenario is we will have to postpone our event, but we will wait and see what happens this week.”

Another promoter with an event next month said he will also be waiting to see what becomes of the vessel, but has already started making backup plans.

“Our event has some time again, so I believe that we have time for the situation to be worked out and, in the interim, we will be looking for alternative venues.

“To change the venue now might have extra costs that we did not cater for. We are already at the height of our promotions.”

He added that the impounding of the vessel is affecting other promoters, and what is worse was a lack of communication from the management of the Harbour Master.

“What happened over there, I don’t think it warrants holding the vessel. I hope the Minister of Foreign Affairs would get involved to manage the situation.”

Newsday contacted an official at Harbour Master who declined comment, but promised to forward questions to one of the directors.

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The High Commission of India in Georgetown on Monday celebrated the Independence Day of India as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the premises of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Queenstown, Georgetown.

The event was attended by Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin, friends of India and other distinguished invitees.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa hoisted the Indian National Flag, read the message of President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and addressed the gathering.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa being assisted to hoist the Indian National Flag

The event also included cultural performances by the students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre choreographed and guided by Dance Teacher Mrs. Varsha J. Chaudhari and Yoga Teacher Mr. Mohit Kumar Mann; message for the youth by Master Athrav Kotehal Gowdara, rendition of patriotic songs, etc.

India is celebrating its 75th Independence Anniversary from March 2021 to August 2023 as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Government of India is organizing various events across the globe in the run-up to the [email protected] to celebrate this historic occasion.

The High Commission of India has also been organizing various events since March 2021 to commemorate this important occasion.

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On Saturday, August 20, 2022, the New York City-based Babonneau Day (Original) Committee will host a fundraiser to benefit former several-time Saint Lucian calypso monarch Minelle, who was hospitalized after being violently attacked on the eve of this year’s calypso finals.

The event will be held at Freddy’s Place, 117 Tapscott Ave (between Blake and SutterAvenues) in Brooklyn, from 11:00 AM until. It will feature an assortment of Caribbeanfood and beverages for sale.

According to the group’s president, Leanda “Beckeylee” Alexander, her organization feltcompelled to organize this effort on Minelle’s behalf immediately upon hearing of theassault.

Ms. Alexander went on to describe her as a “true Saint Lucian patriot, entertainer who has represented Saint Lucia with class and distinction…She’s not deserving of such a brutal attack.”

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This initiative, which has received the blessings of the calypso legend’s family, is alsointended to send a clear message that violence against women will not be condoned.

Since February 2017, the fifteen members of the Babonneau Day (Original) Committeehave undertaken a number of philanthropic initiatives, primarily to benefit the peopleand community of the Babonneau.

Alexander encourages all Saint Lucians in the tri-state area to support this gesture ofunity in support of Minelle.

Source: Babonneau Day Original Committee

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