Public Relations Officer of the Mayor and City Council, Royston King, yesterday told Stabroek News that an investigation will soon be launched by the City Constabulary into Sunday’s incident where an Ite palm tree fell on a North/East La Penitence home, killing a 5-year-old girl while she slept in her bed; dangerous trees will also be removed, he added.
“The council is saddened by the event, particularly at the loss of the child,” he said.
He indicated that there was a similar incident last year November and that family was provided with support by the council.
The M&CC, he said, intends to have inspections completed, after which trees which are found to be not firmly rooted and likely to fall will be removed. He indicated that the council is currently restrained since it only has access to very “slim revenue” for which there are higher obligations, such as garbage collection, drainage and environmental health services.
So far, a number of complaints have been received by citizens about the condition of some trees around George-town and according to King, the council is trying its best to have the issue resolved.
He said that having realized its shortcomings, council placed signs on some trees, particularly for motorists who park near or under these trees. This initiative, he said, started some time ago.
“We thought a good approach was to warn citizens and this was done with the intention to encourage citizens to support us by not parking under those signs or in any way damaging those trees,” King said.
When Stabroek News made a second visit to the scene of the incident yesterday, the Hacketts smashed home still contained all the family’s damaged belongings.
According to relatives residing nearby, the family has since moved in with the mother of the dead child’s parents. One relative stated that the family would appreciate if the government can stand the cost of the funeral for 5-year-old Tomeica Hackett, whose body is being kept at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary.
It was indicated that the Hacketts intend to rebuild on the same spot since they have no other place to go.
