We are talking about a strategically-placed old US naval station. We are also talking about an area of land "politically re-claimed" from the Americans in 1967 by Dr Eric Williams.Chaguaramas has deep political meaning for all citizens of T&T. It does not just house "a termite-ridden old building." The area is worth its weight in gold for investment purposes, agricultural and otherwise. But to what end and to whom? Chaguaramas is prime state land owned by over one million people who are registered to vote in the general elections of 2015.
In the mad scramble to prove to citizens of Trinbago that they are on the right path in securing what is best for all, ask yourself this question (equally applicable to incumbent PP government and aspiring PNM opposition,) is it not wiser to rationally debate the use/lease of this valuable state property with all potential stakeholders, rather than rush into agreements where angels fear to tread? And what is the fear? The conspiracy theorists will now have to come on board and vent.
On a clear day we are rhetorically "two and a half minutes" away from Venezuela, no particular friend of the Americans. Perhaps we can also canvas the US to offer us more than the $1 billion suggested by the kind-hearted Saudi entrepreneur. Chaguaramas is, I emphasise again, "strategically-placed." We need time to check out if there are other bidders with more money.
In all things, investments and otherwise, we are eminently "well placed" to carefully scrutinise all offers. We the people implore that, in local parlance, no hot and sweaty decisions be made. Widen the list of applicants.
Lynette Joseph
Via e-mail