Three vessels transporting 104 passengers docked at the Cedros Port.
A source said the port has been operating seamlessly following its reopening last week. The leaking sewer system has been fixed and recommendations have been made for an upgraded sewer system.
Councillor for Cedros Shankar Teelucksingh said he was anxiously awaiting the construction of a public toilet and washroom facility at the port. He said visitors had no proper seating accommodation or clean drinking water when they arrive at the port.
“They have no access to washroom facilities either,” he added.
“We have been asking for these recommendations to be made for more than three years. The Siparia Regional Corporation is willing to lend assistance if the Ministry provides us with the money to construct the facilities. The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has also called for the setting up of medical facilities and this too has not been implemented,” Teelucksingh said.
Cedros residents Edward Marcelle and Terry Assong have been allowing Venezuelans to use their facilities. Marcelle, known for his vast history of the community said they built the bench for the Venezuelans and Trinidadians who often wait for hours to be processed.
“There is not enough seating accommodation at the port and many times people awaiting arrivals have to wait on the beach under a tree for the foreigners to be processed. The makeshift bench reads in Spanish “Toma asiento mi bella dama” which means “Have a seat, my fair lady,” Marcelle explained.
He said proper facilities should be provided at the port.