We are all so worried about Moody's downgrade of the T&T economy, but this is not the end of the world. Instead, I would like the nation to turn its attention to the eco-disaster that is occurring. Bush fires throughout the country are normal in the dry season for as many years as I can remember. Of course, the Government has taken steps to address the issue, but clearly more is needed.
In this regard, like so many thousands of concerned citizens, I continue to see the raging wildfire on the hills of the Northern Range. I am worried and concerned about the number of creatures which have died due to the loss of habitat.Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the news of the fiery death of parrots, possum, iguana and many other birds. Oh, how tragic! For me the loss of these animals and the destruction of habitat is an irreplaceable loss of our natural heritage.
If we turn a blind eye to these things and pretend that it doesn't matter or that it was a few parrots and some manicou which would have been captured, killed, stewed or roasted by some thoughtless and wicked hunter, we lose an invaluable piece of nature which no amount of money or investor confidence will restore.
In addition, while the Prime Minister has announced that the hunting (read killing rampage) season will re-open in October after a two-year ban to get back a few hunters' voters, this wildlife loss will surely have an impact on the stock of wildlife and I trust hunters will curb their bloodthirsty ways and recognise that these animals are suffering.
Please do not kill these creatures. Please find some other thing to amuse yourselves other than hovering over a puny, helpless sprocket deer, chopping at it for your next roti filling. All of those people who are busy hiking will now have to trek through barren trails, with nothing but carcasses and burnt trees to gape at.
I wonder if anyone can set up a volunteer conservation corps to go into these areas to assist fire personnel. How can we, year after year, sit back and watch our precious hills, animals parks, swamps fall victim to illegal hunting, bush fires, logging, mining and backfilling for factory shells.
Does anyone see what is happening along the Caroni Swamp? All of a sudden, metal recyclers, factories and developers are moving in. Where will the Scarlet Ibis, caiman and birds all go? So think about, the creatures that leave the hills and go into the swamps, jump from the fire into a frying pan and back.
Please spare a thought for the wildlife.
God bless this nation
Lystra Marajh
Glencoe