Woes behind Arima’s celebrations

THE EDITOR: As the Chartered Borough of Arima celebrates its anniversary, it is important to note some salient points. This is a borough that is neglected by its representatives. Ms Pennelope Beckles has the temerity to say that water has been delivered to thousands, when residents pay religiously for a supply they don’t get and they are disconnected when they don’t pay their bills. A water tank is like a television, for the residents, each home as one. WASA must reimburse consumers since it is now the norm to store water for use when the supply is not regular. A re-connection fee of $500 is preposterous, advantageous and outrageous. Corruption is the order of the day.

Another grouse for many residents is the unsanitary situation, especially the stench of stale urine in and around the maxi taxi stand on St Joseph Street. Representatives don’t travel by maxi and in their air-conditioned cars they cannot experience what we do. The poor vendors of the Arima market are fleeced of fees for their spots. It is heart-rending to see these simple, hard-working vendors run for cover and try to secure their goods when rain begins to fall. Year after year this continues, promises after promises but no one cares. This chartered Borough has a leaking market for years. The council collects fees continuously. It is distressing to see and even to try to get through the maze of drunken people, young and old, in and around the famous landmark, the Dial. The area is almost impassable. Liquor is the name of the game and everyone has a bottle in hand. Where is Mr Mayor? Does he know what goes on in his borough? Does he really care? The garbage is in mounds, some scattered all over the streets and vagrants abound, eating from the bins and sleeping everywhere.

Devastation among our youth. The drug problem is a menace and has been so for several years. The authorities are aware of the drug dealers and the dens, even the Police are aware, but they appear only when someone is murdered. A report to the police station recently was futile. A child in the area was being mauled by a ferocious dog. No one responded even after two reports were made. On entering the police station one is appalled at the laissez-faire attitude of the officers. One is treated more like the perpetrator than the victim. Why is there a police presence only on the main streets where there really is no need for so many officers. In the environs and outlying areas robberies and crimes continue unabated. Oblivious to the above, the revellers will continue to celebrate and life goes on. Such is the complacency of most of the citizenry.

JOHN HERNANDEZ
Arima