PNM representative tells Govt to show more care to Crown Point residents

1950810

Camille McEachnie

People’s National Movement (PNM) area representative for Canaan/Bon Accord Clarence Jacob, is calling on the Government to “communicate” and “show more care” to Crown Point residents displaced by the 53-acre ANR Robinson Airport expansion project.

Jacob, the THA’s Secretary for Settlements, Urban Renewable and Public Utilities, was speaking yesterday on Tobago Channel 5’s morning talk show Rise and Shine.

Addressing many issues, including the disconnection and subsequent reconnection of Block D residents’ water supply, he called for dialogue.

“I think they should have a deeper conversation. I think what they should do is show more care,” Jacob told host Deryck Brathwaite (Brother B).

When Brathwaite asked who should be more caring, the THA Secretary replied: “We should show more care…I have no problem saying that.”

Pressed for further clarification, Jacob said: “We should show more care with regards to the process.”

This is the second time Jacob, who won the Canaan/Bon Accord district for a second consecutive term on a PNM ticket, has “intervened” on behalf of the residents.

He walked out of a National Infrastructure Development Company meeting in 2019 held with residents in Rovanel’s Resort, saying he wanted fair treatment for residents. He stressed that he wanted the project to continue.

Speaking about that incident yesterday, he said he wanted to show “he would not stand up for any unfair play.”

“Brother B, it’s a difficult situation to have to move from an area of abode where you grew up …and someone just wakes up one morning and tells you, you have to move. I had to intervene because it’s not a political situation. It’s a social situation.”

He also talked about compensation for Block D residents. Their area was earmarked for compulsory acquisition during the Patrick Manning-led administration.

As of July 8 this year, the Government has paid 115 residents $183 million for 30.33 acres of the 53 acres acquired for the expansion project.