PORT of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne said the capital of city of Port of Spain was still wrestling with bugbear issues, including “crime and funding”.
He made this comment yesterday at the cocktail reception to celebrate the Port of Spain Corporation’s 112th anniversary at City Hall, Knox Street, Port of Spain.
“There is still work to be done. This (crime) is something that I carry and we have other challenges. The municipal police are offering their extra time. =They continue to do an amazing job. We have been working with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). We will continue to do our work,” he said.
He added: “We are hoping the Ministry of Finance would release some funds. We are looking at the Mid-Year Review. We are looking for support. We have more work to do. There are more areas and spaces to concentrate on. We can move towards the modernisation of the city.” He promised to expound upon plans for the city’s beautification and upgrade at the Statutory Meeting and Civic Awards reception on Friday.
In April, Alleyne had lamented the lack of funding which could disrupt garbage collection and warned that limited funds could have prevented people from getting paid.
Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen addressed the Interfaith Service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port of Spain, which was held as part of the City Day celebrations.
During her brief remarks, Ameen encouraged Alleyne and the Council to continue to serve the burgesses.
“We are elected officials to represent the people. I know at times it can be a thankless job. Many years from now, they may never remember our names. We have to serve them with distinction. Let us make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. You are the first elected officials who present yourselves in times of tragedies, natural disasters and catastrophes. Our duty to serve with distinction,” she stressed.
Ameen wished them Almighty God’s blessings and reminded those gathered of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s advice about, “Putting God first and walking behind.”
“I am pleased to be here. It (local government) must represent every person of the nation. We are in a Roman Catholic church. We have people from every religious faith. It’s a gift in Trinidad and Tobago. People of different religions can go to each other’s churches and mandirs. There are places where it can’t be done. You can even get killed. It’s a beautiful, cosmopolitan country,” she said.
