COP-out on re-route issue by Ramadhar?

COP leader Prakash Ramadhar reportedly indicated his intention “to find the facts” with respect to re-routing the Debe to Mon Desir section of the Point Fortin highway. However, the COP is part of the PP Government and Ramadhar has been a member of Cabinet for over two years. Surely during this time the merits and demerits of the project would have been discussed and he ought to have been privy to these discussions. If not, he could simply have asked the Minister of Works and Infrastructure what were deemed to be the costs and benefits as seen by the ministry. After months of this issue being in the public domain, Ramadhar is now planning to approach Nidco to get its side of the story.

The Re-Route Movement’s case and arguments were reportedly communicated to Ramadhar over three months ago by Wayne Kub-lalsingh. Over a month ago, COP deputy leader Dr Anirudh Mahabir attended a comprehensive presentation at their Debe camp. Any further questions the Re-Route Movement was willing to answer promptly. Why then is the COP vacillating on making a decision? Is it a COP-out or a case of wanting to hunt with the hounds and run with the foxes? By the time the COP is ready to decide, the highway would have reached Mon Desir.

Trevor Sudama
San Fernando