Sinanan: Priority for Tobago food

Asked by Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial whether a third vessel would be rented or leased to supplement the Trinity Transporter barge and the Atlantic Provider, Sinanan replied, “The management of the Port as we speak, are evaluating all proposals that is put to them for the replacement of the cargo vessel.” He disclosed, “It does include the replacement of the barge and there are options on the table and I expect a recommendation by Monday.” Sinanan reminded MPs that because the Galicia was pulled, Government had to see what was immediately available to replace it. Later in the sitting, Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George rejected a request from Ramdial to debate the issue of Tobago’s food supply and the seabridge as a matter of definite, urgent public importance. In a subsequent statement, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar charged that Government has “failed the people of Tobago” by removing the Galicia and not making adequate provision for alternative cargo arrangements.

She said, “People living and working in Tobago are in desperate need of basic food supplies and Government seems to be unaware of the urgency of the situation.”