Punta Gorda residents are concerned that their parish priest, Father Matthew Ruhl is pulling down trees near the seaside in the town. When the residents inquired if they had a permit, those involved in the process said that it was private land.
One townsperson lamented the loss of a mango tree.
We have since received information that the land belongs to the St Peter Claver parish and that the reason for pulling down the trees is to erect a seawall to prevent further erosion, which would have undermined the road.
The authorities committed to replanting the trees, and also creating a green space called "Teachers' Park," in honor of all the Garifuna teachers who served from 1890 to 1980 and who used that spot to go to and from their teaching assignments. All of this work is being done with the approval of GOB and the town council.
