Colonialism over TT’s gas and oil

THE EDITOR: The best of times could be the worst of times or the last of time. This is the scenario for Trinidad and Tobago if, as an aspiring nation, we do not wear our patriotism on our sleeves especially where our oil and gas patrimony is concerned. Wake up TT this is a serious time, the right time! Be aware of your natural heritage, the billions you possess in the oil and gas sector.

If Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) information is correct, each year ALNG would export $19,000 million dollars worth of natural gas, in 15 years $285,000 million dollars of our natural resources. Oil and gas are wasting assets and one day they would be all gone. If maximum benefits are to be received from this sector it must be realised now.  To quote a true patriot, Tubal Uriah Buzz Butler, “God has placed in the bowels of the earth, mineral wealth. He did not put it there for people four and five thousand miles away to come here and exploit. God placed it here for the natives of Trinidad and Tobago. We are the ones to exploit the oil, if we are unable to exploit it because of the know how, we are to employ people with the know how. We are the ones to sell the oil and collect the money right here in this country and every man, woman and child, rich and poor, black and white receive an equal share.”

“Trini to the bone” seems to be only for fete, roti, rum and nice clothes but when it comes to issues that would affect our nation for the next 100 years we come across as boneless. We the citizens of TT must influence our politicians to make a firm stand where our natural resources are concerned and defend it if necessary with our blood. This issue is an important one if we are to truly attempt the eradication of poverty and all its associated evils. Eternal vigilance has to be the password where our oil and gas are concerned. Look at the number of foreign companies in our country exploiting our oil and gas resources and when these resources are finished they will all leave.

We the residents of the Mayaro/Guayaguayare community and especially those under the banner of the Mayaro/Guayaguayare Unemployed Organisation and Concerned Citizens are determined to secure benefits for our community and by extension Trinidad and Tobago form these oil and gas giants residing in our area. We would do this through dialogue, through negotiation and if need be through protest and non-cooperation. Trinidad and Tobago I pray you share these views. Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve.

GREGORY GALERA
Guayaguayare