Construction is underway at the Eddie Hart Grounds for a new joint police and army patrol base. The development is aimed at strengthening security in communities across the surrounding areas.
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says concerns about a gas line beneath the foundation have already been addressed.
“Today is Sunday. It’s about progress. If someone is saying that there’s a gas line here, the National Gas Company have addressed this already. So I don’t see, there’s no reason for me to go and speak to it now. That has gone. It went.”
Minister Alexander says the project is part of a wider effort to provide greater public safety, not only at the Eddie Hart Grounds, but in several communities.
“We are at the point where we are putting down the beginning of safety and security for our whole community. Even those who oppose it, they fall in this community. So we’re looking at the highway, the bus road, the eastern main road, Tacarigua, Lopinot Arouca, El Dorado, St. Augustine. It’s about providing public safety for people and this is just one of many.”
The minister is also defending the project against opposition, saying the increased security will extend to businesses and residents in the surrounding area.
“Safety and security of our people is of paramount importance. But I will also want to tell those who oppose, we are providing security for your businesses right across the road. And for those who, they are not your businesses, we are providing an opportunity for you to continue getting kickbacks from those places. I say no more.”