"I'm suing TPDCo!
January 24, 2008
Executive director of the Montego Bay based Lachma Museum of Truth, Rastology Francis is threatening to sue the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).
This, after workmen -supposedly employed to that agency - allegedly burnt debris on his property. The fire reportedly posed a threat to the lives of six species of birds nestled in an avian sanctuary there in the wetlands.
"I think it is going to be an issue in court between TPDCo and the land owner Lachma. I am going to take them to court. Because not only did they invade my property and break constitutional laws, but they violated the natural laws of endangering the lives of the wildlife," said a furious Francis.
"If they should cross the line where is the police? Who is there to see that they do not cross the line again?"
Francis was further enraged after learning from National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA ) officials that they were informed by TPDCo that it was wood sculptors, who were members of the Lachma team, that were responsible for burning the debris on the property.
According to Francis, the rubbish which was dumped, then burned on Lachma's property, was accumulated after the cutting and cleaning of the sidewalk recently.
The Lachma Museum of Truth which is located near the Montego Bay fishing village situated on the Howard Cooke Boulevard, houses a group of wood carvers as well a large bird sanctuary.
Yesterday, chairman of the TPDCo, Robert Russell, told the Observer West that he was unaware of the incident.
"We don't burn our garbage. We put them in large garbage bags and then they are transported away.But this is the first time I am hearing about this event. We don't know. It is the first time I am hearing of this incident . I don't know that anybody employed to TPDCo did this," Russell argued.
At the same time Russell revealed that he will be deploying a team to have a look at the bird shelter with a view to determine if it could qualify as an attraction.
"That might be something that they (Lachma) could get assistance with. Maybe we could have them apply to TPDCo if they qualify as an attraction. It is something we will be willing to look at," Rurssell guaranteed.
Author: Horace Hines
Source: Jamaica Observer
