The Tribune

THE construction of a cellular phone tower in the middle of an inner-city community park has outraged its namesake, St Cecilia MP Cynthia 'Mother' Pratt, who hit out at the lack of prior consultation.

While acknowledging that increasing telecommunications infrastructure is necessary, Mrs Pratt said the tower may pose a safety risk and will further crowd the already tiny park.

She said: "What bothered me is that they had to move some of the playground equipment for several days, so the kids had no where to play.

"I was upset, because I knew nothing about it. I'm not the government but as the representative of the people, somebody could have said something.

"At least ask my opinion, for suggestions - do what you want anyhow, but at least ask."

Mrs Pratt said that after she made some inquiries, officials from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company explained the scope of works for the project.

But she said they did not do enough to reassure her the tower's presence will not be a potential hazard to the scores of young children that use the park unsupervised.

She said: "If this park had been in Blair or in the suburbs, there would have been town meetings, door visitation.

"It shouldn't be just thrust there - take it or leave it. That is not a good feeling.

"We have to learn to respect one another. You have to show respect to the people, man."