Harsh Reality-Tobago Virtually Crippled

T&Tec Trucks Lined Up 

Earlier this week, a situation which could have grave consequences on the lives of every Tobagonian was addressed. The article 'Back to Stone Age' was written in an effort to highlight to all how vulnerable we are to power outages that could literally send us 20 yrs back into the past. Yesterday, the population of Tobago (de Jure or de facto) were met with the harsh reality of how dire and wide ranging this potential dilemma could be. For more than two thirds of the day inhabitants were literally left at the mercy of the elements.  Punished, because of the in-actions and slothfulness of many in addressing the breached submarine line that supplies Tobago with Electricity. Thus, Tobago was left without essential amenities as there were no water in taps (in certain places), telephones were down, and customers of mobile phones could only sparingly engage in its use as to preserve what little power  they might have had. This my readers is a crisis, which needs the support of all affected. Tobagonians, must without fail condemn this atrocity, as we must pay, undisputably with extensive damage to property and harsh inconveniences to our daily lives. A problem neglected and unaddressed for 5 months  virtually crippling the affairs of an Island. Yet in a public relation stunt, welcomed by many, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission,  dispatched Mr. Ramsook to give us feeble explanations of the underlying problem, and assurance of comfort when on July 10th (2012) speaking to the Express Newspaper, he indicated, that T&TEC had everything under control in relation to the power supply on the sister isle.

Tobago, it is time we sound the trumpet again, to the persons who are charged with the responsibility of addressing this situation. It is time for them to consciously and enthusiastically treat with and repair this failed submarine cable. Moreover, it is crucial that we take our way  and quality of life seriously. We are not second class citizens and in essence, must not be treated as such. Forget the foolish rhetoric and racial intonations that politicians may try to ascribe when 'we' speak for what is justly deserved by all. Do not be muzzled for fear that you may be labeled as "political". Tobago is for Tobagonians, our resources must be used to enrich the lives of our people above all else, and for that I make no apologies. Tobago must not suffer at the hands of Trinidad, Tobago must enjoy the same quality of life enjoyed by Trinidadians, furthermore,  Tobago must live equitably to Trinidad.

Fix the submarine cable, and quit with the talk show papi-show antics!!

Written by O.J.Noel

13th July, 2012