On his visit to Rio Claro in his phenomenal meet-the-people tours in the 60s, this country's first prime minister, the late Dr Eric Williams, after representations made by the people, gave the assurance that a highway would be constructed from San Fernando via Princes Town/Rio Claro to Mayaro. Motorists and travellers were elated at first but over the years became despondent as they felt deprived that this highway had not seen the light of day.
It is a fact that the bulk of the country's revenue is derived from oil and gas, a substantial part of which is extracted from the Mayaro/Guayaguayare area. Considering the wealth generated from this south-eastern part of the country, it stands to reason that the best road access should be provided from this area to the southern city of San Fernando.
People from all walks of life travel on a regular basis (some daily) from/to this part of the country to/from the City of San Fernando and towns to its north and south.These regular trips are made for various reasons–medical care, shopping, to sell farming produce, work, school, services from government offices and for professional services. Some of these travellers leave their homes in the wee hours of the morning and return at late hours, exposed to all the risks involved.
It is significant to note also that Mayaro with its beautiful beaches, long regarded as a popular resort for tourists wishing to enjoy sand, sea and sun, has been on the decline.With the regular flow of traffic on the main road artery, Naparima-Mayaro Road, and its deplorable condition, this once popular beach resort is no longer the preferred choice for holidaying by tourists and even locals.
I appeal to the Minister of Works and Infrastructure to give urgent consideration for the construction of the San Fernando-Mayaro highway. Apart from providing relief to commuters, this highway would stimulate development in this rural part of the country, with a boost, in particular, to agriculture and touris.
S Bisnath
Chaguanas