Cutting of Rubber trees halted by local government Minister

Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall earlier today posted via his facebook opage
that he has ordered a halt to the planned cutting of century-old rubber trees at Mabaruma.

The post seen by this media house, www.aroundtheregions.com said: “It was brought to my
attention that the Mabaruma Town Council began cutting the rubber trees that are in the path of a
road which was slated for construction since the last Government.
“I was also informed that the consultation done under the last administration had agreement for
the (trees)  to be cut.
“I have since instructed the Mayor and Regional Chair of the following:
1. Stop cutting the trees.
2. Publish the results of the consultation done under the last government with the names of
persons and bodies participating.
3. Discuss with the Ministry of Public Works the best engineering solution to have the road
constructed with the trees remaining”.

It was noted that following consultations with residents of Mabaruma in Region One, the
Regional Democratic Council (RDC) along with the Mayor and Town Council had decided to
remove the century-old rubber trees that line the Philbert Pierre Avenue roadway in the town
saying that the trees are a threat to the lives of residents and also infrastructure.

Information coming out of the region stated that commencing today some 101 rubber trees along
with a mango tree were going to be chopped down. This, it was noted is to facilitate the
continuation of a road expansion project that has been stalled for more than a year.   Mayor Chris
Phang had estimated that within 7 to 14 days all the trees would be removed.

Regional Chairman Brentol Ashley was quoted in another section of the media saying that the
decision to have the trees removed was a decision made collectively by the RDC and Mabaruma
Town Council after several consultations with residents who are of the opinion that the trees
pose a threat to the lives of people and infrastructure close to the area.

“The trees on the Philbert Pierre Avenue are over 100 years old. Most of them, I could say about
99% are over 100 years old. And over the last decade or so we have been facing threat from the
trees. The trees are a threat and danger to lives and infrastructure especially during the rainy
season when we have heavy rain falls and heavy winds within the community,” he said before
adding that residents have related near-death experiences whereby heavy branches from the trees
fell either behind or before them when on the roadway. In addition, he stated million-dollar

fences and vehicles have also been destroyed by falling trees or branches,” Ashely was quoted in
saying to another media house.

Ashley acknowledged that while persons are petitioning not to have the trees removed, the
decision to cut down them down was made in the interest of the people.

“Those trees pose a threat because of the age and this would’ve had to be done sooner or later,”
he said today, adding that residents have proposed to have artifacts made from the trees so that
they can have a reminder of their existence.

The revelation that the trees will be removed has resuscitated an online petition that was created
over a year ago and persons are once again calling on the relevant authorities to ensure the trees
are not removed.

However www.aroundtheregions.com learnt that there are mixed reactions from residents
regarding the minister’s decision to halt the cutting of the trees.