Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Remnants of the palm trees which were vandalised on the weekend, just outside the National Heores Park, Kingston. The palms were planted last year as part of the beautification excerise for Cricket World Cup. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), yesterday, condemned the vandalism of some 24 palm trees, which were planted just outside the National Heroes Park in Kingston.

The palm trees were planted last year as part of the beautification exercise for the staging of Cricket World Cup, which was held in the Caribbean from March 11 to April 28.

Joan Gordon-Webley, executive director of the NSWMA, described the destruction of the palm trees located just outside the Marescaux Road entrance to the park as a baseless and senseless act. She also noted that the destruction of the trees showed a lack of respect for the country's national symbols. The trees were destroyed on the weekend.

Societal sympton

Mrs. Gordon-Webley said the vandalism at Heroes Park was symptomatic of the challenges encountered by the agency in its thrust to reclaim and beautify the parks and other public spaces that fall under its purview.

The executive director said acts like these would not deter the agency in its quest to ensure that the parks and verges that are managed by the NSWMA are kept in top shape.

Mrs. Gordon-Webley urged persons who may have witnessed the act, or have useful information, to contact the police.