Hardly anywhere in TT to ‘spend a penny’

I am wondering whether, in so doing, the police were aware of the almost complete non-existence, even in Port-of- Spain and San Fernando, where the overwhelming numbers of revellers and onlookers would have been assembling in their thousands, of facilities where one can “spend the (proverbial) penny?” Where the few public conveniences happen to exist, they are not only conspicuously situated far apart but, even more distressing, are so woefully insanitary as not to encourage any decent individual to enter, far less to venture to use them.

What a disgrace.

Indeed, this is but one of the unsatisfactory social welfare and public health aspects of the country which have, for far too long, been “taken for granted” but which cry out for attention.

It would be interesting to learn the number of people who would have been arrested and charged for the subject offence identified by the police. I suggest the answer would be a resounding “none,” indicating realism and “make-believe” on their part – laughable were it not a matter of grave public importance and concern.

Of course, police officers in uniform (the vast majority at Carnival time) would have been spared embarrassment by being able to access toilet facilities such as would be available at bars etc. Not so the general public who, be it Carnival or not, has had to become accustomed to making use of “makeshift” toilets and urinals in areas which give even a rudimentary semblance of privacy.

One would recall a media story, some time ago, revealing that a female customer, while standing in a queue at a bank, having sought “refuge” by requesting use of the bank’s toilets, had her request refused on grounds of “security.” However, this woman was advised by the bank’s security officer to “try” the fast foods outlet opposite — an advice which, in my opinion, she quite rightly refused to accept. Thereupon, she “emptied” herself in full view of other customers.

One would have thought that establishments such as that would have addressed the matter.

Not so, as apart from one or two supermarkets, things have not changed. Certainly, is the public not entitled to more humane treatment? I am suggesting, therefore, that all 14 regional corporations as well as the Tobago House of Assembly be mandated to provide and to properly maintain, as with garbage collection, public conveniences as part of their statutory duties. Of course, establishments, publicly and privately- owned, being frequented by large numbers would be expected to do the necessary.

ERROL OC CUPID Trincity, Tacarigua