Previous Story
Marching against development
Posted On 12 May 2015
Dear Editor:
During the last election in 2010, there was a surge in environmental protest surrounding the aluminium smelter in La Brea and the steel plant development in Claxton Bay. These projects were rightfully highlighted as being unsustainable for the communities they were being placed in and were correctly halted. The political will at the time ensured that it was so.
Now fast-forward to May 2015. Rowley, Warner and everyone opposed to the government is marching to protect Chaguaramas. However, when one truly examines what they are marching for, it can be seen that this is just a red herring. The development taking place on the west coast is truly impressive and what is key is that it is sustainable and incorporates the community. We are seeing a first world developmental project taking place right in our backyard. However, the Opposition has really nothing to protest for, so they need to create an issue out of nothing. They are pulling from the election playbook, but the plays are not suitable for the match situation. Sorry, these electioneering tactics are not fooling anyone.
Ricardo Jimenez
Although I agree to some extent that the Chaguaramas project is a progressive one, I also believe that proper consultation must be carried out with all stakeholders if any development must be made. Too often governments put forward their plans without consulting relevant stakeholders, this is perhaps the main reason persons are against these projects. As an environmental management practitioner I know for a fact that the Chaguaramas region is an environmentally sensitive area, and both this government and the previous made steps to designate Chaguaramas with National Park status. The ramifications of drastically altering this region would no doubt affect ecosystem services particularly where it relates to water conservation, food security and general biodiversity. The possibilities for the agricultural sector within this area is endless. With these consultations a mix of ecocentric and anthropocentric measures could be taken to foster sustainable development within the area. I stress the need for proper discourse between these stakeholders because any change to the natural environment without proper analysis of the natural environment would be a loss to us all. UNC, PNM, PP, or COP we are all Trinbagonians first. LOVE COUNTRY!!!