The magical Rubber Walk

Dear Editor,

I see trees as symbols of joy, of hope, of life; so it was with great disappointment and an even sadder heart that I read of the final decision to remove the century-old rubber trees in Mabaruma in the North West District, which is one of the most scenic parts of our country and which is blessed with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. For me however, the “Rubber Walk ‘as it is called, is an essential part of its charm and beauty.

I first visited the North West District in the 1960’s as leader of a group of young people from the Roman Catholic youth group ‘The Green Light Organisation’ in an outreach to our group there. We travelled by steamer and on arrival at Morawhanna, though tired from the long overnight journey, we decided in our youthful exuberance to walk to Mabaruma where we would be staying. That was when I first saw the Rubber Walk. It was magical walking that straight road shaded by the lovely rubber trees planted equally spaced on both sides like watchful sentinels they stood; sturdy, yet graceful in their foliage, witnesses to countless footsteps, to shared words and laughter and maybe to many a weary shattered dream.

Those rubber trees were planted so long ago by hands that I am sure carefully nurtured them as saplings. Those who planted them may have watched with pride as they matured and grew to majestic beauty, providing shade and bringing joy to the thousands who may have walked that walk over the long years that they have existed.

Now soon, and I still pray that this will not be, the brutal efficiency of metal teeth will savage them to death. The sturdy trunks and foliage disposed of. Their shade gone forever. Their beauty just a memory.

Sincerely,

Joan Collins