Respect TT’s sovereignty

THE EDITOR: It is a clear case that the Government and people of Barbados do not respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This is quite notable as the Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney General Mia Mottley has made it clear to the fishermen of Barbados that they can invade our waters and rape our seas of resources. In addition Prime Minister Owen Arthur has made it clear that any fishing agreement has to include cheaper gas from Trinidad. And what amazes me even further is that the people of Barbados are fully behind trade sanctions with the Caribbean country that has by far the most capital and recurring investment.

Owen Arthur must understand that he cannot bite the hand that feeds him and his country. Nor must he behave like the kindergarten politician of the region. “Give me what is yours or I run and tell Daddy at the United Nations.” Real foolishness ent? Owen Arthur must also be honest with his people. Barbados was the land of the flying fish. What happened was that there was over fishing due to poor regulations, and Bajan fishermen used a very fine coarse net. So fine that not only the adult flying fish were caught but also the very small and eggs were also affected. By the mid-eighties the gradual migration was in full force, until very little has remained in the territorial waters of Barbados. In other words the flying fish flew away from Barbados into a safe haven of the north eastern coast of Tobago. The way these Bajans want to pursue the flying fish they will eventually migrate to Carenage and they will want to come and fish in Staubles Bay!

It was hoped that an amicable solution could have been worked out.  But it seems a bit one sided. Barbados believes it is their right to fish in Tobago waters, not a privilege. Barbados believes that the boat size permitted into this region should be larger than the size the Trinidad and Tobago government wanted (twice as large 30 metres). Barbados believes that if their fishermen are found fishing without a permit they should be able to leave with all their fish unharrassed and go home to a heroes welcome. Barbados believes that they should also get cheaper gas because they fish in Tobago waters. Barbados believes that once they do not get their own way Trinidadian businessmen should be vicitimised. Could you imagine an attitude like that for someone who is Prime Minister of a nation of 250,000? What kind of behaviour can we expect from Owen Arthur if he was Prime Minister or President of a developed country? Prime Minister Manning do you still believe in diplomacy when it comes to this issue? Do you believe that Lenny Saith and company can solve this issue? Mr Manning you must not allow our sovereignty to be infringed.

Deploy our coast guard to ensure that this does not happen again, after all we do have an air wing and a few fast patrol boats. Any illegal fishing by the Bajans must meet the full force of the law. The same law that brings to justice the Venezuelan and Guyanese fishermen. The one where catches are seized and the captain and crew are fined. And stop pussyfooting with my dignity as a citizen of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

SEAN DE MILLS
Port-of-Spain