PHILIPSBURG:--- These two beautiful tamarind trees usually look like one big tree. In 2013 the Community Council of South Reward established both trees as a symbol of our community and on several occasions during the Christmas season, these trees are decorated and lit up, it's known as the community Christmas trees. Upon the lighting of these trees, an event is held where families could come together and enjoy themselves for a couple of hours.
These trees bothered no one and they remained far away from the roadside, avoiding any obstruction of traffic or even being problematic during the hurricane season. These two beautiful tamarind trees stood tall against the winds of Hurricane Irma and it was also a source for tamarind juice.
Today I was informed and eventually saw with my own eyes the butchering of this tree(s) ordered by our wonderful 800+ vote-getter of Minister of VROMI. Yes, the same Minister is responsible for the slaughtering of the Mangroves by the stoplights.
And I must give thumbs up to the President of the South Reward Collective David Richardson and community members for standing together, showing concern, and voicing their displeasure about the destruction of these trees. Nature Foundation St Maarten St. Maarten Community Collective: South Reward
