Tobago students want free travel

In our quest for "development country status" no one utters a word in this respect on our behalf. In the meantime we have to endure the inconvenience, trauma and financial strain of relocating to Trinidad, and for part time students like myself, the physical and psychological burden of weekly travel.

Certain degree programmes are available on the island, but a very limited number and only the first and, in some cases second years, can be completed here. In the end, Trinidad is a must. Which brings me back to the issues at hand - travel time, physical and financial stress, etc.

The arrogant and thoughtless may argue that nothing comes easily or that sacrifices must be made in the pursuit of success blah, blah, blah. The fact is that those students before me and we who are presently enrolled in various institutions in Trinidad who make this weekly trip, have already demonstrated our willingness to work hard and our bravery to trod into the unknown. I am aware of the fate suffered by some academic geniuses who now hold menial jobs on the island because they hold incomplete degrees. They could not have foreseen the overwhelming costs — financial, physical, stress and strain.

Those of us who live and work here in Tobago deserve a fair chance of obtaining our degrees as our Trinidad classmates. An educated "us" equals an educated Tobago.

I put upon those with the power to do so to bring the degrees to Tobago. While we wait, however, I call upon the Chief Secretary himself to intervene.

We know that there is very little you yourself might be able to do with regards to the physical and psychological issues but surely the financial aspect can be addressed. If not, then what is the purpose of the office that you hold? (I speak boldly and on my own behalf.) To conquer this evil I request on our behalf that allowances be made for any student residing in Tobago and pursuing any degree in Trinidad to use the services of the air bridge free of charge. "Ludicrous!" some may scream.

Consider this, while my classmates from Trinidad travel to and from class for four and five dollars total, we begin at a minimum of three hundred. No mention is made of ground transport, to and from both airports, or request for your assistance here though such would be welcome.

I also make no mention of the ferry service, in case those swelling with disgust and other ill feelings at my request are wondering, because of a few things. The fast ferry that leaves Tobago at 6.30 am arrives in Port-of-Spain around 9 am, an hour after classes begin. (I speak here about students who attend Saturday classes only) while my classmates have the option of getting to class whenever they choose.

Real ludicrous then would be to continue to expect us to start travelling from Friday evenings, board an 11pm ferry, endure an average five hour long journey and then be asked politely by a crew member to please disembark in the cold wee hours of the morning onto the streets of Crime Capital.

Then by some stretch of the imagination expect us to be fully awake, properly oriented and fully functional for a whole day of classes. I am sure that you, Sir, would not want this for one of your own (I mean no disrespect and speak boldly on my own behalf.) I beg you, Chief, champion our cause, and make this small request a reality, sooner rather than later. As an educator yourself, you know the power of a single, educated mind and should be able to imagine the power and potential of an educated Tobago.

N BAKSH

Carnbee