By Sue-Ann Wayow
A “SIT IN” is being planned at the Wildflower Park on Sunday at noon in protest of several issues currently involving the public’s use of the park.
The event is being organised by activist Phillip Edward Alexander who initially raised the issues earlier this month.
On Thursday, Alexander told AZP News, “Lots of well-known persons in all sectors of society from business to arts to politics have expressed solidarity in this cause. One well-known chef wants to come set up a food stall next to occupying camera system inside the park.”
He said, “This is a symbolic sit-in. We want to show the people that the park belongs to the public. People will be coming and sitting all over the park. The park is for public use and we want to send a strong message out to the necessary authorities and persons that they just cannot do what they want with the park.”
Alexander said there will also be a call for the removal of signs placed regarding the use of pesticides which he said were placed there just to scare members of the public away.
There will also be a call for the removal of a security camera placed at the park.
And another Freedom of Information Act request has been filed concerning the Wildflower Park and the focus on the use of pesticides. Alexander filed the request on Wednesday.
He also called on other leaders of political parties to make a statement concerning the management of the public park.
These include: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Watson Duke of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) and former Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith.
Alexander requested documents via the Freedom of Information Act asking for a list of pesticides used by the Wildflower Park, Botanical Gardens and Queen’s Park Savannah – all public places from January 1, 2017 to present day.
He also requested the schedule of pesticide treatments and public warning notices for that same period.
Alexander also requested the invoices for purchase and installation of the newly erected signs at Wildflower Park bearing the statement “Park is treated periodically using various pesticides.”
And he requested information on contracts and invoices for contractors who apply pesticides or invoices for the purchase of pesticides by the Ministry of Agriculture that are used in the three public spaces.
The Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) political leader also conducted a video interview with a worker from the Horticultural Division whom the Ministry of Agriculture has stated has oversight of the park.
He said according to information from the workers, pesticides cannot be used at the park without alerting the public.
The worker expressed similar concerns raised by Alexander.
