It is exactly seven months since I wrote a letter of complaint to the newspapers about radio stations in Trinidad with national broadcasting licences, which disrespect and show discontent towards the people in Tobago by not giving us the coverage the licences govern them to do. I received a response-which I was very grateful for-from the acting executive director of the Telecommunications Authority of T&T (TATT), Cris Seecheran, via a newspaper letter on September 16, 2010, who even admitted that there were other complaints from Tobago.
Seecheran gave the assurance that "TATT is currently in the process of conducting a more comprehensive technical audit of free to air radio and TV coverage for Tobago, which would determine the actual coverage achieved by each broadcaster in Tobago." He added, "This segment of the audit is due to be completed by the end of September." However, it seems as if the segment of the audit promised by Seecheran is yet to be completed or the owners of these radio stations simply don't care about TATT or the people of Tobago. What is the significance of the word "authority" if TATT cannot use it against this type of delinquency?
There might be a role to play here for the Tobago Development Minister, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, who loves to blow her own trumpet and take credit for everything she believes makes her feel important. Since the Government doesn't have a Minister of Telecommunications, it is not known who is responsible for this aspect of governance. I am again pleading with TATT, through Seecheran or anyone else who might be fearless in carrying out their functions, to stamp their "authority" on these delinquent radio/television broadcasters or revoke their licences if they cannot comply, since none of them are invincible. I look forward to listening to the stations that play the type of music that I can relate to. Unfortunately, there are not many to choose from in terms of music for my age.
G Walters
Tobago