Trinidad & Tobago
Seabridge on troubled waters
Port-of-Spain – Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles last week expressed dissatisfaction over the collapsed seabridge service between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
“There is tremendous disappointment in the inability of the (Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago) to do what is required, but I am also a very pragmatic person and having anticipated this, I would have been quietly working behind the scenes,” he said.
While Charles commended Caribbean Airlines, the Airports Authority, bus service provider PTSC, and the government for immediate measures to accommodate displaced passengers on the inter-island route, there was still dissatisfaction, he said.
“If you know that (with) the current vessel, its licence would be up by a particular time with respect to the (T&T Express), I think that one had to pull out all the stops to ensure that the replacement vessel, the Spirit, would have been up and running.”
At the time, Charles was speaking following a meeting with the Tobago division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce.
“...We have agreed that we would set up a nine-man committee, comprising members of the chamber and members of the THA, to pursue the issue of how we can devise or develop an emergency plan, so that we can bring some level of restoration to the economy of Tobago,” Charles said.
He also assured travellers between Trinidad and Tobago, especially those coming for Easter or the upcoming jazz festival, that what is in place for transport was “adequate to facilitate their ease of movement”.
Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe also indicated she was disappointed with the inter-island transport.
“At first we were promised by the Port Authority the Spirit would have been up and running by the end of February. Now we are in March,” she said. She added the situation was unfortunate, especially for the tourism sector with the upcoming Easter break, and the Tobago Jazz Experience.
“Mostly, I am looking forward to the new boat coming at the end of April. It is a challenging time for us as Tobagonians,” she said.
Tobago Chamber chairman Demi John Cruickshank also expressed concern about the collapsed seabridge, saying a solution to the present state of affairs must be found sooner, rather than later.
“We are very concerned about what will happen to the Easter and the Jazz weekends,” he said.
He said despite Caribbean Airlines adding additional flights to the airbridge, he was not sure how well this would work.
“We want to commend CAL for what they are trying to do, but in terms of the volume I think it is concerning,” he said.
Cruickshank said he was not surprised by the breakdown of the seabridge. However, what was needed was a clear position from the government on fixing the problem.
“We have been saying that for the past year and a half. We have been warning all ministers, the prime minister, the Cabinet, the senior members, the people who have the decisions to make.”
Former THA minority leader and political leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People Ashworth Jack also called for a speedy resolution to the inter-island ferry woes, labelling it “a total disaster”.
Jack criticised the government’s handling of the seabridge following the decision earlier this month by the Port Authority to remove the lone passenger ferry, the T&T Express, from service in the interest of public safety.
“I don’t understand how we’ve come to where we are. That is my concern. How did we arrive at this place where we have no passenger ferries traversing the seabridge, at a time this close to Easter? This is grinding the Tobago economy to a halt and nobody seems to care,” he said.
He also commented on the extra responsibility given to Caribbean Airlines, as it was expected to pick up the slack.
“In the very depth of times, especially around this time of year, Caribbean Airlines could never have enough seats. Caribbean Airlines is always deficient in terms of provision of adequate seating, and now you have another 2,000 passengers that would normally travel on the seabridge, and you are saying to them that Caribbean Airlines would accommodate them,” he said.
Jack noted all of this was occurring at a time when Tobago was suffering from low visitor arrivals. He called for the problem to be fixed once and for all.
“What is happening with us in Tobago? Businesses closing, businesspeople taking money out of their very own pockets to remain open, and no, it is not about having government subsidise businesses in Tobago, it is asking the government to do what they were elected to do and to provide an inter-island service, which is really an essential service. The thing is, this is an old issue, and this is more than enough time to fix it, and so I don’t know if there is a short-term fix,” he said.
Jack also criticised the current Executive Council, saying it was too hushed on matters affecting Tobago and Tobagonians.
“The leadership in Tobago is silent. This begs the question why. The thing is, there are Tobagonians who travel via those fast ferries daily for all sorts of things: business, education and medical reasons. What about those people, let’s just say that they have not already bought tickets for the ferry, so they are left with no choice but to now purchase an airline ticket? There are people working URP and CEPEP and with an already small income: you are now telling them they must pay close to (TT) $400 – because it’s not like they are landing in Port-of-Spain, they are landing in Piarco and then have to travel to Port of Spain,” he said.
A report is expected to be submitted to the Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, Siparia Regional Corporation and senior fire officer at the Cedros Fire Station Keith Siberan.
Among the recommendations made so far are for artificial reefs to be used to stop the force of the waves, which is causing the land to cave into the sea.
Geologist Xavier Moonan said planting of marine vegetation can also assist in breaking the pace of coastal erosion.
Meanwhile, local government councillor for the area Shankar Teelucksingh said two families who were given keys to new homes on March 7, at Lakeview, Point Fortin, have still not moved.
“We are assisting with the relocation. So far, six families have already left the area, but we will be assisting the last two families,” Teelucksingh said.
Last week Minister of Housing Randall Mitchell said negotiations for permanent resettlement will begin soon and should be completed within the next six months.
On February 26, the families had to be evacuated after massive coastal erosion caused a house to fall into the sea. Four homes belonging to Leroy Joseph, Latiff Mohammed, Deomatie Mohammed, and David Samuel were also on the edge of the 1,000 feet cliff, and their families had to be evacuated.
About 400 metres of the Bamboo Village, Extension Road collapsed into the Columbus Bay, taking along with it the house owned by Gunness. The area has been declared a disaster zone.
In her address, Weekes said having listened to all the advice given in the last few weeks, she ascertained everyone has high expectations, and they have indicated “there must be a mustard seed of faith that things can get better” in Trinidad and Tobago. Said Weekes: “Old things… good things are indeed possible for Trinidad and Tobago. As your servant I promise that I will work tirelessly. I will labour night and day to do my best by word and deed to open your light and spread the light of others at every opportunity.”
However, she noted: “But if you feel you are going to leave me alone to do all the heavy lifting, you are sadly mistaken. Please, do not let me walk alone. By faith, let us stand together and then go forward side-by-side as we carry our nation to greatness.”
Weekes said armchair experts have stated the country is perilously close to the point of no return; that “crime, corruption, racism, abysmal public services and an ineffective judicial system, among other problems are so thick on the ground, that all hope is lost; that we will soon be, if we are not already there, a failed state, however defined”.
It was an embarkation into the role of presidency from a site of realism, the newly-minted leader giving a first-hand and honest experience of the downsides of life in Trinidad and Tobago.
She, too, had “been there”, she said, noting: “I have endured the maddening inefficiencies of the public sector. I, too, drive with my windows up and doors locked even in broad daylight... I have lost two cars to thieves and waited hours for medical attention for a relative at Port-of-Spain General Hospital.”
Such a note of realism drew an appreciative response of applause from her audience.
She also engaged the public and its concerns, saying: “I know what the murder count is and how many of the victims have been women and children slaughtered in acts of domestic violence. I am cognisant of the volatile tensions in east Port-of-Spain. I see people affected by mental illness, addiction and homelessness sleeping on the streets; and if I needed to get to Tobago in a hurry I could not be certain if or when I would arrive.”
In her request for support from Trinidad and Tobago, Weekes asked the population for three things: “First of all I ask you to find ways to make a positive difference in whatever your sphere of influence, not necessarily ambitious designs but rather specific, practical, doable projects... Many individuals and organisations have asked to meet with me. Let's not meet just for meeting sake… Come armed with your ideas, your feasible projects to improve our quality of life. Nothing will catch my attention faster than a man or woman with a plan.”
In her second request, she said: “…I ask those of you with a platform from which to disseminate your views to find new and creative ways to inspire your audience while reporting responsibly and commenting civilly on the facts; and in particular on social media which is here to stay and has great value in giving a voice to those who might otherwise be voiceless, but reckless use of this or any communication channel will defeat its very purpose. Is it at all possible to dial down the rhetoric while still adding your two cents' worth to the discussion on any issue?”
And thirdly, “And last, and before I run out of goodwill, we speak all the time about how violent a society we've become ... true, but the climate of violence is not created or even birthed in overt acts, it's embedded in everyday talk, in commonplace interaction ... in schools, in the market, in business places, in the rumshop, and worst of all in the home.
“I ask you to be mindful in your use of language remembering that a soft answer often turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger and that pleasant speech increases one's persuasiveness. When we have the inevitable differences of opinion we can do so without the savagery, the ad hominem attacks, the gratuitous insults.”
daring daylight robbery.
The business of Ranjit Thackor was robbed last week when bandits stormed into the store, smashed the glass showcases, grabbed an undisclosed quantity of jewelry, and ran out of the store. The incident was caught on close-circuit television and then broadcast on social media.
“I am glad the video has gone viral and is now being viewed by an international audience. Now the world can see what is happening in this country. It is frightening!” said Thackor.
The store has been in business for the past 40 years. Thackor said this was its third robbery.
Speaking to the media following the robbery, Thackor said people must see what is happening in the country.
“Imagine, there are people walking around with guns in their pockets and if they feel to rob or kill you they do it,” he said.
A recording of the robbery shows the unmasked thieves entering, attacking the security guard, smashing the showcases with a hammer, and filling jewelry into bags. The three men then exit the store, even as customers cower on the floor, and an employee is seen crawling on hands and knees on broken glass to escape.
“It is alarming to know that men could casually walk into a store in broad daylight and commit a robbery and hold employees hostage. Crime in this country is becoming out of control and something must be done,” Thackor said.
He added people are afraid and uncertain what criminals would do next, noting the bandits now appear to be using any means to get what they want.
Business places nearby said criminals who target stores within the city do not live in the southern part of the island, but come from different criminal hot spot areas elsewhere.
“These men work in gangs and scope out stores on a daily basis. Sometimes stores are robbed and they are not reported because business owners are fed up,” one owner said.
President of the Business Association Daphne Bartlett said crime is on the increase, and it was necessary to have a joint army and police patrol in the city.
“Now there are robberies at least once a week. Business owners are being robbed and people are being robbed of jewelry and their handbags along High Street. And when you look around to see if there is a foot patrol police, there is no semblance of police,” she said.
Bartlett said there was only so much business owners could do to secure their stores.
“RT Jewellers cannot do anymore to secure his business. He has security cameras, he has a security officer by the door. His store is on High Street and a crime can take place like that and the men can get away without detection,” she said. Business owners have also asked for CCTV cameras at strategic points, she said.
“There are cameras on High Street, but just one or two, and these people use Carlton Centre as a getaway point. Business owners are fed up. We are now calling on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to take charge. Things are falling apart, and it seems San Fernando will shut down very soon, because it is getting quieter and quieter with the number of businesses being robbed,” Bartlett said.
“So I think in six months time there will be great clarity as to the future of Petrotrin and what the options are,” he said.
Khan was responding to a question last week in the Senate raised by Opposition Senator Wade Mark regarding the key elements of the restructuring plan following the recommendations of the Lashley Report on the operations of Petrotrin, and whether the plan included privatisation.
Khan said the board of directors had been given a mandate to return the company to profitability and in consultation with stakeholders to secure a sustainable turn around and return to viability. He also reported the board built on the work of the government-appointed team to review Petrotrin’s operations, and to make restructuring recommendations, better known as the Lashley Report which was submitted on June 1, 2017.
He said discussions were ongoing with frequent updates to government and all stakeholders.
Said Khan: “At this time the board is examining a number of strategic alternatives and has not selected privatisation or any other of those options but will make that selection in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.”
He said with the complexity of the matter no definite time line was set for the completion of the exercise but “given the serious financial position of the company an early report by the board is expected”.
Khan reported the strategic alternatives included splitting the company into business units such as one for refining and marketing and for exploration and production. He said there was also a view from some stakeholders that exploration and production be further subdivided into exploration and production land and marine, and the latter included almost solely Trinmar operations.
