Oil Spill Disaster Exposes Rowley’s Shameful Failure to Protect Trinidad & Tobago

The overturned vessel “Gulfstream”

“The Prime Minister’s confession that the clandestine entry and sinking of a large ship in our waters without the knowledge of any state agency, radar, or coast guard is a clear indication that Trinidad and Tobago’s national security has collapsed”, says Oropouche West MP Dave Tancoo.

In a clear attempt at damage control, Prime Minister Keith Rowley faced the media, reacting belatedly to the Tobago oil spill. Notably absent was the Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds

“This incident starkly illustrates the breakdown of our national security under the current Rowley-led administration. The fact that a vessel of such size could infiltrate our waters undetected, leading to an environmental disaster of this magnitude, speaks volumes about the neglect and incompetence at the highest levels of government. It’s a wake-up call that cannot be ignored,” Tancoo declares.

With the government unable to provide details about the origins, crew, or cargo of the capsized ship, Tancoo describes the situation as “a shameless admission of failure” by those in charge.

“The absence of accountability and detailed information regarding the incident is alarming. It is critical to question how a ship with unknown intentions and cargo was able to enter our waters unchallenged, potentially carrying illegal drugs, arms, ammunition, or illegal fuel,” Tancoo states.

This incident, according to Tancoo, is indicative of a broader issue of governance and oversight under the current administration, which has seen Trinidad and Tobago become increasingly vulnerable to international criminal activities.

“The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment that international criminals view Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive target due to our poor security record under the PNM is a damning indictment of the current administration’s failure to safeguard our nation,” Tancoo emphasizes.

“While the government is distracted, focusing on fetes, criminals are exploiting our weaknesses, running freely. This is a clear sign that national security has effectively collapsed under their watch.” Tancoo adds.

Referencing David Rudder’s poignant remark, “Somebody letting the cocaine pass…,” Tancoo underscores the severity of the situation. “Our nation is at a critical juncture. Decisive action is urgently needed to revamp our national security system,” Tancoo highlights.

The Opposition Shadow Minister for Finance calls for immediate and transparent action from the government to rectify these security lapses. “As a country we must no longer tolerate incompetence and slothfulness from the Minister of National Security or the Prime Minister when it comes to our Nation’s safety. Until someone is held accountable for this fiasco otherwise we can expect continued and even worse security blunders. The PNM government’s wilful neglect of the national security apparatus has cost millions to be lost by businesses during the peak of Carnival. Millions more will be spent to clean up the oil spill but untold millions would have been lost in environmental damage to the islands’ ecosystems. The refusal by the Prime Minister to hold Minister Hinds responsible for the chronic failures under his watch, and his steadfast endorsement of Minister Hinds’ monumental incompetence should be of concern to all. Citizens must not be forced to pay for mediocrity in taxes and with their lives and livelihoods.”

Davendranath Tancoo
Member of Parliament
Oropouche West