Red House suits a kingpin in power

THE EDITOR: It is now apparent that the Red House issue is so much hogwash. With the removal of all non-Parliament offices and the planned re-use of the two acre site, the Red House is more than adequate to house both Chambers of Government with their attendant offices, lounges, dining rooms, in-house printery, etc.

What has emerged however, is that 11 years ago when Patrick Manning began his designs for Port-of-Spain, he wanted the most prestigious building in TT for his own office. He saw himself as the kingpin in the centre of power, and perhaps the centre of his Caricomette. The Red House fits such a design. Again, another example of the vi-kee-vi approach to “governance” by the PNM — CEPEP. I know they mean well, a damning phrase, but were any directives or training given to these contractors, and more importantly the foremen, before these were turned loose on this land? The Forestry Department of the Minister of the Environment is well staffed with officers trained in the scientifically approved methods of environment control. What was their input into the planned methods used?

What we are seeing with CEPEP is not only a “clean yard” approach, but a whole new concept of graffiti. Having denuded the land we now have initials of CEPEP and other agencies and messages, spelt out in stone. Even better Sold Waste then proudly advertise this vandalism as examples of environmental concern. Does any member of any of these agencies have any aesthetic sense, or training in basic design and concepts? And now I come to this crass urge to paint nature’s trees and stones. There is a magical curve on the road to Balandra where you can see through the forest, and is so exquisite that you have to drive slowly. Last month I saw the barks of these magnificent trees painted white. On this drive I also counted six small fires where the CEPEP groups were burning dry bush, surely a very dangerous practice, so far from available water, should such fires get out of control.

Who gave these contractors the right to deface our land? And why are they not being penalised? I do have a suggestion, though, as to some remedy for the breaking down of the paint. Put the favourite pastime of the Trini male to work. At the end of their half days, let the CEPEP men urinate on the painted items. Urea greatly encourages the growth of moss. On the subject of white painted trees here’s a bit of historic colonial trivia. When the British moved into India and Africa and built their fortifications to control the people, they decided as added protection to paint the surrounding trees white, so that the natives would not be able to hide among the trees and launch an attack. Hopefully, this bit of info should put an end to this ridiculous practice.

What evil has overtaken this beloved land? With our abundance of talent, wit, spirit and energy, how is it possible that we have come to this pass? And I haven’t even touched on the horrors of our education and health systems. The complete lack of planning so evident everywhere. Truly sickening. Perhaps the time is approaching for the young, bright true patriots to come together. A group whose interest would be national and not political. And believe me, we do have such people.

CHRISTINE MILLAR
Port-of-Spain