The Save Our Green Space Committee (SOGSC) is now a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO). Dr Carol James, SOGSC secretary/public relations officer said its main focus was to raise funds to off-set its legal costs in challenging the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Sports Company of T&T (Sportt) in court over plans to build the controversial multi-sports complex at the Orange Grove Savannah.
To facilitate this endeavour, an account has been opened at the Republic Bank, Trincity Mall branch for people wishing to make donations to the group. James said: “We’re now a fully fledged not-for-profit company and officially incorporated in March 26. “We’ve gone through all the processes and paperwork and are just awaiting clearance from the bank’s head office. As soon as we have that, our biggest project is to mobilise funds to meet operational costs including legal expenses.”
She said Tacarigua residents and SOGSC members were gearing up to go to court around mid-July as the date wasn’t fixed as yet since Planning Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie’s legal team called for further extensions to submit their affidavits. James said the stop order by the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation (TPRC) was still in effect, no work had taken place since the end of January when a small shed for sheltering security guards from the elements had been erected.
She said, however, construction on the “monstrous” indoor tennis centre, to the south of the savannah continued apace.
SOGSC’s fundraiser
James said through the efforts of SOGSC assistant secretary Vernon De Leon co-ordinating the group’s “blue note by blue note” collection drive from residents, they managed to raise more than $80,000 collectively. She said stalwart members Gwen Nelson, Pearl Boney and Brenda Renwick had raised $20,000. A barbecue will be held by the Dinsley Cricket Club with all proceeds earmarked for the SOGSC’s legal expenses.
The event is carded for May 17 at Kingsway Bar, Dinsley Main Road, Tacarigua, from 11 am to 5 pm. Tickets are priced at $30 (chicken only).