Minister denounces ‘unauthorized’ removal of items from Brighton Beach

No permission was granted by any government official for the removal of items from a vendor at the

Brighton Beach Facility in July.

This, according to Minister of Tourism Carlos James as he answered a question posed in Parliament yesterday by Opposition member St Clair Leacock.

James said the action, which was taken against Errol Arthur shows “disregard” for the working relationship that exists between the businessman, himself and East St George Parliamentary Representative, Camillo Gonsalves.

“None of us approved, sanctioned or authorized those actions,” James stressed.

On Thursday July 20, a live video broadcast on social media showed a man removing benches, structures and other items which had been erected on the beach by Arthur, who is popularly known as ‘Huffle.’

Gonsalves, the member of Parliament for the area had said the move came as a surprise to him.

Yesterday, James said the items were removed on account of communication by “an officer of the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority”.

He insisted that the move was “not an instruction from the Chairman of the Board.”

The Tourism Minister said “there was no written notice” to effect the action which was taken.

James also made it clear that the demolition action that had been taken against Arthur in July was “wrong.”

According to James, the action was taken without the authority of the National Parks Board or the Ministry of Tourism and no written notice was given to Arthur.

Speaking about the close relationship between Arthur and the area representative, James said Minister Gonsalves had worked with Arthur to design the site at Brighton Beach.

While his structures were being demolished in July, Arthur reportedly asked for his member of Parliament.

James said in response to this request, Arthur was told by someone “I have my thing to do and the parliamentary representative has his thing to do.”

James also pointed out that prior to the events on July 20, there had been several meetings between Arthur and the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority.

James disclosed that these meetings surrounded the Brighton Beach Facility and related to issues such as utility charges, installation of separate meters, installation of additional lights and access to the site office.

The Tourism Minister added that National Parks Board had requested legal counsel to revise the terms of the vendor’s agreement with Arthur.

A meeting was also to be held with Arthur to discuss the agreement and “with a view of finding a common ground “ to the issues.

Minister James recalled that on Thursday July 20, a team from National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority conducted a tree pruning exercise at Brighton Beach.

“Following the tree pruning operation some employees of National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority proceeded to remove items from the site belonging to Mr Arthur,” Minister James stated.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has promised to compensate Arthur for the damage which was done.