The posturing among some of the stakeholders as a result of exploratory conversations regarding removal of Port-of-Spain from life-support, a status to which it was sentenced immediately after independence, should be extremely interesting.
The hysteria and anti-colonial sentiments expressed by the masses went unchecked because it served as a united force against British rule. The question of integrity and honesty in self governance did not surface because we wanted to be free. Free to be predatory and uncaring far worse than previously experienced as a people. Jean Miles perished in part because she dared to offend the Gods. That should have raised red-flags among the masses, but it did not.
More than a half-century later, a rotting city, our country's capital, is in physical, social and moral ruin as a result of benign neglect. Can Port-of-Spain be rebuilt? Of course it can, but for whom and by whom? The residents of Port-of-Spain seem incapable of recognising the responsibility inherent in this objective. The past 50 ruinous years speak volumes on this issue.
Perhaps the capital should be removed. Simple little things demonstrate our social commitment and pride in neighbourhoods. For example, there was a time when the beds of the East Dry River would be cleaned after a torrential rain. We no longer do that. A forest is now emerging where the silt and grime have settled untouched at the river's mouth.
Uneven sidewalks, garbage-strewn streets. The sight and scents of human waste is pervasive and residents live in fear of each other. So, for whom is the city going to be rebuilt?We live in a capitalistic society and people invest where they believe that their investment will be rewarded. Would you consider investing in the rebirth of Port-of-Spain? Not likely! Then the Government has to do it. Independence created this wasteland and we created independence.
Errol F Hosein
via e-mail