Destroyed with blessings from EMA

THE EDITOR: The awful tragedy that befell the people of La Brea compelled me to visit the Information Centre at the Environmental Management Authority for an explanation. I perused the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Establishment of an Industrial Estate at Union Estate, La Brea, prepared by the Institute of Marine Affairs and dated December 2003. I learned that some 305 hectares (the Queen’s Park Savannah is approximately 100 hectares) in the heart of the Vessigny River Valley would be cleared, leveled, and compacted in order to construct petro-chemical plants. The Assessment states that ‘‘there is dense vegetation covering approximately 70 percent of the proposed site,’’ and that ‘‘these forests are an important ecological asset, particularly in the light of the present rate of deforestation in Trinidad.’’ It goes on to emphasise that ‘‘these forests represent a substantial resource for fauna, as evidenced by the large number of animal species documented on the site.’’

It continues: ‘‘Of the 10 mammals and marsupials recorded for the site, the presence of the mouse opossum, red howler monkey, tyra, porcupine, and anteater are of particular concern as they are sensitive to disturbance.’’ The EIA further states that ‘‘the occurrence of 31 butterfly species can be considered a high species number given that the sampling period lasted only two days.’’ As regards the avifauna, it states that ‘‘the large number of bird species found across the site suggests there are still significant resources present to support them.’’ Pertaining to the dams, the Assessment notes: ‘‘Of the five dams in the area, three lie within the boundaries of the proposed project.’’ It goes on to reveal that ‘‘the dams serve the community in a number of ways: they are a source of recreational fishing and crab-hunting, and over the years the villagers have organised social events on the banks of the Tobago Reservoir.’’

The Environmental Management Authority in its mission statement affirms that its raison d’etre is ‘‘to ensure the protection, wise use, and enhancement of the environment.’’ I ask: Wasn’t the Vessigny River Valley an ecologically (as well as a sociologically) sensitive area worthy of protection? And does the conversion of a forested valley into an industrial estate constitute wise use of the environment? And what example is this administration setting by callously impoverishing the lives of citizens, no longer able to enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life? The San Fernando Hill stands as a monument to the degradation of our natural heritage — a permanent reminder of our folly, indifference, and irresponsibility. The mindless destruction of our country continues unabated, the so-called “developers” armed with their Certificates of Environmental Clearance issued by the EMA.

ISHMAEL SAMAD
Maracas Valley, St Joseph