THA cannot afford to maintain Pigeon Point

THE EDITOR: Please be good enough to allow me the opportunity to publicise the following opinion on the Pigeon Point impasse. While this is an issue which affects and stirs the emotions of Tobagonians, the present stated decision of the Tobago House of Assembly to compulsorily acquire the Pigeon Point estate widens the implications to include all of the people of both Tobago and Trinidad. For it is all of us whether we like the idea or not or whether we were born or live in Tobago or not, who will be made to foot the bill for what is in all of the circumstances revealed so far a highly unnecessary intention. Reliable information indicates that this property whose value taking into account its acreage multiplied by $100 per sq’ foot, (the going rate for such properties) is worth in the vicinity of three hundred million dollars and costs between six and seven million per year to maintain.

The Tobago House of Assembly certainly is in no position to afford such expenditure and there must obviously be much higher and greater priorities for the use of that kind of money on behalf of the people of Tobago. In a press release from the THA dated April 15, 2003 and a subsequent one from Club Pigeon Point both parties appear to have reached agreement on all issues surrounding this matter. For example, dignified public access including bona fide fisher folk. Anchorage for vessels at Wind Hole. Access road from Bon Accord. Management of the jetty, status of occupiers at Club Pigeon Point entrance and other general matters. In particular agreement to rehabilitate the beach front situated between Conrado Hotel and the gated entrance to the Pigeon Point estate exclusively for sea bathing.

So why did a simple set of agreed items suddenly become a 300 million dollar charge on the taxpayers of Trinidad and Tobago? Is it politics? If so then this is pretty high priced politics. One can only hope that it is not. The Prime Minister has unfortunately stepped into the arena with a rather premature “me too”. Wait until he sees the real cost of acquisition. Not to mention the rapid deterioration in standards which generally follows government ownership. Is it about the owners of fishing vessels? The Marine Resources department of the THA lists in the aborted agreement seven (7) owners of boats who are affected; Yes seven. Three hundred million divided by seven? Not to mention six to seven million each year. This could hardly be either an intelligent or common sense solution.

If Tobago needs tourism to survive, then only private investment can produce the jobs that would flow from it. Cutting off your nose, stating that the intention is to improve one’s face is always a bad idea. Dr Allison Williams who is a Tobagonian and has first hand experience in this area has written a very positive newspaper article regarding user fees for use of that country’s beaches. This should be required reading for both the Prime Minister and members of the THA. Above all, what Tobago needs most is to spend its money on social development. Not on emotions and or sentiment.

PERCY L CEZAIR
Tobago