Arima honours its best and brightest

SEVERAL people and groups were highlighted at the Arima Borough Council’s annual civic awards last Wednesday at the Arima New Government Primary School’s auditorium.

Among the awardees were Amber Charles, Henry Bernard, Mt Pleasant Mas Committee, David Stephen Sankar, Sumer Edwards-Williams, Arima Business Association President, Reval Chattergoon, Brian Astor, Elma Knights, Annette Lala, Modonna Wheelers Cycling Club, Kwesi Browne, Major Marlon B. Hart, Dr. Gerard M. Antoine and the Arima Police Station.

Addressing guests, Mayor Lisa Morris Julien said, “In my inaugural speech the council promised, a new athletic track, new Arima Market, new Administrative Complex and a Borough Gate Transport Hub. I’m sad to say that they are not yet a reality but I’m happy to say that it is on it’s way to becoming a reality. In March this year, 96 new bulbs were installed for the Arima Velodrome flood lights, after 30 years and the US Embassy is looking to team with us to repair the athletic track.”

A visibly pregnant Mayor Julian, reminded all that from her first few months in office, Arima was now a zero tolerant zone for illegal vending.

She said, “Many of us know and would have see the mayhem at the side of the Arima Market. Somewhere in our pursuits for better market conditions, the lines got crossed and our message faded, while people with agendas decided to push a war against the vendors.

“This is so far from the truth. Ninety-five percent of our law abiding vendors have paid their outstanding dues.Our market has collected tens of thousands of dollars in outstanding revenue.”

She also urged vendors not to be influenced by those whose only agenda is to slow down the building process the Borough is engaging.