Tunapuna-Piarco Regional Corporation

TUNAPUNA-P I ARCO REGIONAL CORPORAT ION of poverty in the region and the growth of a healthy environment that is conducive to the development of all its burgesses. Among its services, the Regional Corporation is responsible for providing garbage pickup, which costs $65 million annually. They also maintain nine cemeteries – about 50 acres, the most in any region – plus 110 recreation grounds and all the minor routes that are directly under the purview of the Corporation. Business View Caribbean recently discussed the mission, current projects, and future goals of the Tunapuna-Piarco Regional Corporation with Chairman & Alderman, Kwasi Robinson. At 33 years of age, Robinson brings youthful exuberance and ideas to improve quality of life for citizens and businesses in his region. The following are highlights of the enlightening conversation. BVC: Can you start with an overview of the Tunapuna-Piarco Region? Robinson: “Our region is one of the largest in the country in terms of land mass. Outside of Port of Spain, it has one of the larger transient populations because we are home to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. In addition to the hospital, the Complex houses the Dental School, the Veterinary School, and the School of Pharmacy, which all operate in collaboration with the University of the West Indies. Most of the secondary and tertiary education systems are here, as are the Piarco International Airport and Trincity Mall, which is one of the larger shopping centers in the country. “We have three industrial estates, along with one of the largest housing developments in the Caribbean – La Horquetta – and developments in Maloney Gardens and Santa Rosa Springs. At