I have always believed that oil in the tank is money in the bank. Not in the environment.The massive oil spill that we are now confronting is a cause for grave concern. Our first priority is clean-up not allocating blame. What plans are in place to deal with the spill? Is foreign assistance necessary? How many barrels of spilt oil are we dealing with? Are we trained and competent to deal with a disaster of this magnitude?
Our time is limited, the longer our response time is the more damage is inflicted on the environment. Some of this damage will be irreparable.Our energy minister seems more focused on blaming someone rather than cleaning up. Why wasn't there interlocks in place so that something like this would be difficult to happen?Why is this spill not being addressed properly? Biased recruitment? Square pegs in round holes? Political interference? All of the above?
The fishermen's livelihood is threatened, damage to nets and boats and of course fish prices will increase regardless of where they originate.Some limited employment will be provided to the "unemployable" in the community in the clean-up mode.Let us not be like Nero and fiddle while Rome is burning.Mr Energy Minister, Mr Chairman and Mr President, this spill occurred under your watch, take credit for the positives, but you must take responsibility for this spill as well.
AV Rampersad,
Princes Town