AUSTIN: LEGAL ACTION COMING OVER WORKS

AUSTIN: LEGAL ACTION COMING OVER WORKS

Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation representative Josiah Austin says legal action is being pursued amid an escalating dispute over ongoing works within the corporation’s jurisdiction, accusing those responsible of proceeding without adequate consultation or respect for local government authority.

Speaking at the site, Austin said the corporation had previously served a notice of violation, which he alleged was subsequently removed.

“Behind me you can see the disrespect continues,” Austin said, arguing that there had been “no consultation” and “no level of respect” shown to the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation.

Austin also raised concerns about underground gas infrastructure in the area.

According to him, NGC had placed flags identifying the location of underground lines, but those markers were later moved. He claimed that activity also took place farther west over the weekend as workers attempted to locate underground lines.

Austin alleged that excavation reached approximately six to eight feet in some areas and claimed the corporation had received information suggesting lines were located, “blown out” and subsequently covered.

These claims have not been independently verified.

He said the corporation intends to formally write to NGC seeking answers about what occurred, describing the underground infrastructure as one of the hazards officials had previously identified.

Austin also addressed the corporation’s attempts to secure a meeting with the entity carrying out the works.

He said a letter was sent requesting a meeting for Monday at 10 a.m., but claimed the corporation received a response only minutes before the proposed meeting advising that representatives could not attend.

According to Austin, no subsequent date had been provided despite the corporation asking when a meeting could be held.

He compared the situation to someone entering a neighbour’s property and beginning construction without first discussing it with the owner.

Austin then announced that the corporation intends to pursue legal action.

“I am here to also announce that we will be taking legal action because this disrespect cannot continue,” he said.

He stressed that the dispute should not be interpreted simply as a political confrontation, arguing that it represents a broader concern about the authority and role of local government corporations.

Austin also criticised the handling of programmes and development projects traditionally associated with local government, alleging that resources, workers and responsibilities were increasingly being shifted toward entities controlled by central government.

He specifically raised concerns surrounding employment programmes as well as road, drainage and other development works, arguing that the changes could weaken the ability of regional corporations to directly serve communities.

Austin maintained that the corporation was not attempting to obstruct development.

As an example, he pointed to another project within the corporation’s jurisdiction near Grand Bazaar, saying the corporation had not attempted to stop that development.

He said the central issue was consultation and respect for the corporation’s statutory responsibilities within its own jurisdiction.

“This is a call again for consultation,” Austin said.

However, he maintained that, in the absence of meaningful engagement, the corporation believed it had been left with no alternative but to pursue legal action.

Austin said further updates would be provided as the matter progresses.I deliberately preserved the allegations as allegations, especially the claim about the gas lines, until NGC or other relevant parties respond.

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