Businessman calls for monorail to Arima

SOME OF the major problems in Arima and environs were identified at a luncheon meeting of the Arima Business Association (ABA) on Wednesday. ABA President George Hadeed said of real concern to businessmen in the district was the length of time it takes for final approval for new building construction. “Land and buildings carry a high cost to businessmen, and it includes bank interests and other charges. As business people, we are very frustrated going through the long wait for approval,” Hadeed said.

Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, who had been expected to attend the meeting to hear what the businessmen had to say, was absent due to pressing government business. She was represented by the Director of Planning in the Ministry’s Town and Country Division, Carol Smart who noted all that was said and read a speech prepared by the Minister. In his urgent call for a reduction of bureaucracy, Hadeed said: “We really hope these lengthy delays can be reduced.  Maybe you can consider a one-stop shop where all approvals can be given in the shortest possible time.” On the question of traffic, Hadeed said the time had come for a monorail system, linking Arima to Port-of-Spain and San Fernando “to help reduce the amount of traffic and vehicular accidents that occur on a regular basis.”

He also called for the establishment of certain key offices in Arima to eliminate the need for persons to travel all the way to Port-of -Spain to see about  urgent business. Referring to the proposed University of Trinidad and Tobago, which will be established at Wallerfield, Hadeed said: “We are concerned about the impact of such plans as they would affect Arima and whether or not we will be able to deal with the influx of people into the area. “We are prepared to  offer our assistance and commitment in any new undertakings that are being planned.”