Thomas says Sir Molwyn’s lack of vision has contributed to the current state of Country Pond, a heritage site

Alister Thomas, the United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for St.
John’s City West, is decrying the condition of the Country Pond,
which many say is now in an unsightly state.
 
The once-attractive pond, from which water is still drawn to wash
vehicles, is now reportedly contaminated and structurally decrepit.
 
Allegedly, water entering the pond includes waste emanating from
the nearby hospital.
 
Thomas says that he, along with Joe Martin of Photogenesis Photo
Studio, undertook an initiative to restore the Country Pond some
time ago.

He recalls that some small plants had begun to grow within the
pond; and, in order to prevent the roots from compromising the
integrity of the structure, the pair decided to clean the city
landmark.
 
This was a civic initiative –
not politically motivated –Thomas says, as it was being done
through his mas’ troupe, Ali and Associates, and Photogenesis.
 
However, after they had contracted someone to do the work,
Thomas says, the project was stopped by Minister of the
Environment Sir Molwyn Joseph.
 
Had he and Martin been allowed to continue with the clean-up
effort, Thomas says, the pond would not be in its current disgusting
state.
 
Accordingly, he condemns Sir Molwyn for his lack of wisdom and
vision in this regard, since it was he who sent police officers to stop
the workers from cleaning the pond, which Thomas deems to be a
heritage site.

That was social activist Alister Thomas, the United Progressive
Party caretaker for St. John’s City West.