THE Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation (TPRC) was expected to consult its legal counsel on the next step concerning the construction of a police post at the Eddie Hart Savannah after a five-day notice of violation expires today.When the Express visited the Savannah in Tacarigua yesterday, the structure of the post appeared to be completed, and paving works had been done from Orange Grove Road into parts of the Savannah that led to the post.

TPRC Chairman: Josiah Austin

Speaking with the Express, TPRC chairman Josiah Austin reiterated that the corporation was not opposed to the police post but wanted consultation on the project.“The central issue for the TPRC has never been the establishment of a police post at Eddie Hart Grounds. We understand the need for greater security and support initiatives that enhance the safety of our communities. Our concern has always been the manner in which Central Government chose to execute this policy initiative...As stated before, we have served a five-day notice of violation, which ends on Friday (today). The day after, we will continue with our legal counsel and go through the process there,” Austin told the Express on Thursday.He said the corporation had repeatedly requested consultation and maintained that the issue was not opposition to increased police presence at the Savannah.“I made it very clear that it’s not that we are against it. We are all for it,” he said.Austin also maintained that the Eddie Hart Savannah was vested in the regional corporation and disputed statements that it was vested under the Ministry of Sport. He said the corporation had sent correspondence to the relevant authorities and was awaiting responses on issues surrounding the construction.The chairman also raised concerns about paving works being carried out at the site. He said the corporation had already awarded a contract for grass pavers at the Savannah to maintain the green space. He questioned what would happen to that contract now that regular paving was being carried out as part of the police post works.Austin said the money allocated for paving could have been used elsewhere, including on roads.Austin said the Government could have avoided additional expenditure if the corporation’s existing paving contract had been considered. He said the corporation would have to revisit the matter and determine what could be done with its existing contract.Austin also disputed the suggestion that Central Government projects could be undertaken on regional corporation property without consultation. He referred to plans for a 2,500-seat pavilion at Eddie Hart under the former administration, saying the project had been undertaken through the Office of the Prime Minister but that the corporation had been consulted.Asked whether consultation between Central Government and regional corporations was a matter of courtesy or a legislative requirement, Austin said it was legislatively mandated.“We are the holders of that space,” he stressed.Austin rejected suggestions that the corporation was being unnecessarily obstructive because of its position on the police post.“The TPRC’s calls for consultation were never intended to obstruct the project. They were about ensuring that the project was properly planned, that legitimate infrastructural and environmental concerns were addressed, and that the corporation and affected stakeholders understood the implications. Nobody wants inadequate consultation today to result in disputes or costly remedial action tomorrow. There is also a larger principle at stake. Government cannot take the position that because it is Government, it can implement projects wherever and however it chooses, without regard for the statutory responsibilities of local government or the legitimate interests of stakeholders. Today it is Eddie Hart Grounds. Tomorrow it could be another recreational space, community facility or public asset under the responsibility of a Regional Corporation,” Austin said.He said the corporation had not sought to demolish the structure and maintained that its approach had been to seek consultation. He also pointed out that the corporation had not taken the same approach when dealing with the police post at Grand Bazaar, which falls within its jurisdiction.He said he believed the corporation’s position could result in the Government consulting regional corporations and agencies such as NGC, WASA and T&TEC before proceeding with the other locations.“If this is a stance, first of all, from the corporation, as small as they think we are, to ensure that they do the right thing in the other 27, kudos to that,” he said.Austin said the corporation’s position was also intended to maintain a voice for local government.The chairman also disclosed that the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation had itself planned a 24-hour municipal police post at Eddie Hart Savannah. He said the corporation had identified the southern side of the Savannah as the preferred location because it would provide oversight of the space and allow for easier access and exits as development took place.He further questioned the Government’s handling of the wider police-post project, including the procurement process and the overall cost. Austin said he was also concerned about uncertainty surrounding responsibility for the project and whether relevant agencies had been consulted. He said the corporation remained willing to resolve the matter through consultation.