Please leave Chaguaramas alone
THE EDITOR: I pray that our decision makers revisit the idea of crating Housing Settlements on the North Western Peninsula. Most educated people are enlightened with the knowledge of the absolute necessity of conservation and preservation of biological diversity, animal habitats and ecosystems for our future survival. It is therefore unforeseeable that any would want to desecrate an environment such as Chaguaramas, by building human settlements or covering such beauty and fertility was cement and asphalt. The Government has a legal and moral responsibility to conserve the natural resources of the country for conservation and rational use of its biological diversity. Such decisions that have so many negative implications on our future and that of coming generations, should only be made by a referendum from the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Chaguaramas is probably the best piece of real estate in Trinidad, and one of the last remaining areas which has remained relatively unspoilt and is easily accessible to its citizens. Just 20 minutes from Port-of-Spain, one can enter the serenity of Tucker Valley with the mountains and open green spaces without much hint of human developments or destruction, a therapeutic place where one can relax and escape from the life-threatening madness of every day life with which we, the average citizen continually live. This can be seen by the dozens of cyclists, joggers, or nature lovers who daily enjoy what is rightfully theirs to do so. It is also the only remaining area in this country where native species of animals have relative protection from hunters which can be studied and observed undisturbed in their natural environment. Chaguaramas to the animals is like an island, as there is no escape or migration. It is bounded by the sea on the north, south and west and on the east by Diego Martin and Carenage. It is the last remaining sanctuary, and loss of habitat through further encroachment will only hasten their demise. Tucker Valley also has a high water table. The Americans during their occupation, drilled several Artesian Wells which today supply this fast disappearing and essential commodity to the whole of Carenage as far as La Horquetta. Clearing of the land will cause drying of aquifers which will lead to water shortages in the future. It is also inevitable that housing schemes and human activities will in addition to all the evils so associated, add heavy metals, chemicals and other pollutants to the ecosystem. Mr Manning, I humbly appeal to you, please do not destroy Chaguaramas. IAN V CROSS Carenage
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"Please leave Chaguaramas alone"