Police question woman, 65, on poisoned La Romaine zaboca tree

POLICE have questioned a 65-year-old woman in connection with the poisoning of an avocado tree in Betsy Street, La Romaine.

Earlier this month an emotional Vera McEachrane, 80, made a public plea to the authorities to stop another woman from poisoning her tree.

Police said under the Malicious Damage Act, anyone who poisons a tree can be charged with destroying a tree once sufficient evidence is found.

They have questioned a La Romaine woman accused of poisoning McEachrane's tree.

Reports were also made to the Penal/ Debe Regional Corporation and the Environment Management Authority (EMA).

McEachranesaid the woman does not enter her property but would stand at a distance and spray the tree.

McEachrane is unable to walk properly, so with the help of relatives, she has also been advised to take some rotten avocado samples to the Forestry Division in Princes Town, where tests could determine what chemicalws have been used on the tree. This, she said, will be done on Friday.

Police said once the Forestry Division takes up the matter, the samples would go to the Forensic Testing laboratory for further testing.

Once there are adequate samples and evidence for a case the suspect could be charged.

Under the Malicious Damage Act, anyone who "unlawfully and maliciously" damages all or part of a tree so that the damge exceeds $500 is liable to imprisonment for two years.

McEachrane said she did not want it to reach this stage, but was fed up, as she had been warning the woman to stop for months.

“I nurtured this tree, which I planted 15 years ago, and to see it being destroyed like thi, breaks my heart. I just can’t take it any more, and I am letting the law take its course.”