Uncertainty over Wild Fowl Trust

A CLOUD of uncertainty now hangs over the Wild Fowl Trust at Pointe-a-Pierre, in light of the imminent closure of state-owned company Petrotrin’s refinery.

The wildlife sanctuary, on Bon Accord Road, is nestled in the heart of the oil operations and peacefully co-exists with the industrial actives.

President of the trust Molly Gaskin said. “I pray for the good of the country that things will be settled.
“We don’t know what is happening and we hope that everything works out. Of course we are concerned. It is not a nice thing to happen at all.”

The property is deemed a heritage property. It has been operating for the past 53 years. Gaskin, a founding member of the trust, said the non-government organisation is separate from the company.

“We are a unique organisation in that we are the only wildlife reserve in the world situated within the area of an industrial complex. We are part of the complex, but we are not the complex. As an NGO, we are funded by a number of companies and agencies, IDB grants, embassies and so on. We have our own board of directors,” she explained.

“We know lots of the people who work with the company. Some of them are members of the trust and they bring their families. They have been wonderful and we hope that things work out for everybody,” Gaskin told Newsday.

There are many endangered species of birds at the site, and the trust hosts activities and events for students, teachers, birders, researchers, faith-based groups, volunteers, members and casual visitors.

The trust’s honorary patron is President Paula-Mae Weekes.
“All the presidents from way back had been our honorary patrons,” said Gaskin.

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