New air route coming

A direct air route linking T&T to Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most populous cities, is currently being discussed by the Nigerian Government. This was revealed on Friday by the Head of Chancery at the Nigerian High Commission, Nasiru Waje. Speaking at Emancipation Day festivities held at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of T&T’s south campus, Waje said the new air route will bring economic rewards for T&T.

“We are working towards opening a direct air route between Port-of-Spain and Lagos, which will extend to India. “It holds potential for a wide, viable commercial enterprise across the Atlantic which will bring mutual economic benefits,” Waje said.
He added: “The Nigerian Government is also quite desirous of opening the entire west coast of Africa especially to the people of T&T and the Caribbean.”

In return, Waje said his Government expected Nigerians to have direct access to T&T “with a view of solidifying the fraternal links.” Waje noted that establishing links with T&T, and the people of the African Diaspora, was a priority of the Nigerian Government.

Meanwhile, senior lecturer Clayton Blackman, who gave an overview of the emancipation story, said the shackles of slavery continued to exist long after full emancipation was  granted in 1838. He said after Independence, tertiary education was afforded mainly to the wealthy in society.

“Prior to Dollar for Dollar, the poor did not have the finances to afford tertiary education,” Blackman said.  He added that students must prepare for the day when the Government will be unable to sustain the Government Assisted Tertiary Education programme. “Today or tomorrow when the Government decides that GATE is no more, the education shackles will be put back on you. Without GATE many will not have tertiary education so take advantage of it now,” Blackman said.

Campus Director, Clinton Benjamin, commended the students and staff who organised the show. Members of the Ujamaa Ambataana Performing Company performed at the show along with Moses Charles and other COSTAATT pupils who sang a medley of calypsoes and reggae hits. The highlight of the show was a fashion show sponsored by Norma Clarke and Kathleen Derrick.  Also attending the function were Dean of Students Dr Merle Hoyte and Vice President of Institutional Advancement June Alexis.