Allow me to introduce myself. I am a proud member of the Lower Maraval Residents Association.By way of background, I was relocated to the fine shores of the Republic of T&T a little over six years ago. I arrived with a couple suitcases and a lot of trepidation, as I would be a man alone in an unfamiliar country. I recall reporting for duty on Monday morning with a little sweat on the palm and under the arm. This would quickly go away, as I was greeted by a myriad of smiling faces and warm welcomes as I was shown around the office and taken to my desk.
Later that morning I went downstairs and stood on the corner of Park and Henry, smelling the air, taking in the vibe of people chatting, horns honking and a warmth of spirit that I had never had occasion to experience in the past. From that moment, I knew that T&T would be my new home from that day until the day I would rest my head.
Over the next year I decided to invest in a home, so I went about searching high and low for the right place. After seeing at least 40 properties I arrived in Lower Maraval; right then and there I was hooked! Before my eyes was a beautiful residential area, all green and peaceful but for the chirping birds and people going about their daily lives. Without reservation I decided I would put in an offer on a home and proceed to liquidate my residence up north.I proudly became a member of the Lower Maraval community and for the next three years enjoyed a wonderful peaceful existence, further confirming that my decision to make Trinidad my home for the rest of my life was a great one.
Fast-forward to today. My wonderful residential community has become one hotbed of crime and illegal businesses whose patrons have no regard for the negative impact they have on us residents as they "exploit" our community for their personal gain and pleasure and then leave to go back to their peaceful residential community.For the first time I have had to ask myself whether my decision to invest in T&T was the correct one and I have to say it brings a tear to my eye.But, as my wonderful Trini friends would say, this stubborn old man is not going to go down without being heard and trying to make a difference!So therefore, fellow Trinbagonians, I take comfort in knowing that I am a part of a community of wonderful people who feel as I do and will fight to save our community, am supported by the wonderful police officers of the St Clair police station, an amazingly committed and dedicated Mr Kern Solomon, councillor, Belle Vue/Boissiere No 1, as well as the hope that those who should know better will understand that laws and zoning rules are put in place for a reason and should be respected for the good of all and the betterment of our beloved T&T.So fellow friends and local agencies put in place uphold the laws, please pray for us and for all the residential communities in this beautiful country! They are worth fighting for and saving!
Scott Collins