Dialogue needed over Pigeon Point

THE EDITOR: You may publish this letter written to the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, the Hon Orville London. Dear Sir, Please permit me to relate my personal experience on my brief holiday in Tobago on the Indian Arrival Day weekend. My family and I stayed at the Hilton Hotel on May 30 and decided to have a local lunch at Store Bay and then to take a swim there. We changed our minds from swimming since there was a very large crowd and loud music, which made us feel a bit uncomfortable. The next day we decided to visit Pigeon Point; something that I had not done in years. I could not help admiring the transformation of this facility. I have travelled all over the world for the past 40 years and the cleanliness, security and comfort could be compared to that of any foreign country. Hundreds of young trees are being planted all over and a fence was being erected to add to the safety of the patrons. Tourists were seen enjoying themselves in several booths provided, and unfortunately all the bread and shark and other local dishes provided were sold out. There were other booths where craft are sold thereby providing employment, and a lot of other activities were taking place.

It then occurred to me that there was an article in one of the print media that there may be an attempt by the THA to acquire this property. As I sat and looked at the ocean under the blue skies, I felt that should this ever happen, it would be a sad day for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. This will surely be a short term gain but eventually a long term loss. If for some reason they acquire Pigeon Point, it would have to be operated as a State Board. This is not the trend that government should be following since most State companies have been operating at a loss. The chance of government acquiring Pigeon Point is one in a million. I strongly recommend that you all consider dialogue since that will result in a win-win situation for all parties involved. The purpose of dialogue is to let everybody air their points of view thereby enriching the pool of information allowing for wiser decisions and actions, resulting in all the players sharing a piece of the cake. Most countries of the world are encouraging ways and means of bringing in foreign investors as a medium for improving the economy and thereby creating employment. Right here in our country, we have one of the most successful business conglomerates, headed by Mr Anthony Sabga, who is willing to take a personal interest in Pigeon Point. You should embrace rather than confront him, remembering that every creed and race has an equal place. One should also note that money is the furthest thing from Mr Sabga’s mind.

Mr London, it is very clear that you both have different views on this matter. If you move from monologue to dialogue you will not be merely expressing your view but rather the views of the others involved. With this insight you would be free to make a decision without fear or favour. This would release you from having to make the wrong decision. You should not be confrontational but rather be logical and use your integrity so as to find solutions that would help you to make the right decision. Arguing as to who is right and wrong is really counter productive and would only result in each one holding on to his view. Dialogue will bring the best results for the people of Tobago. Finally, I would like to see more facilities for the fishermen on Pigeon Point, increase in the sale of craft and locally made items and a comfortable area for the locals to bathe. All the above would obviously result in satisfying all parties involved.

BALLIRAM MAHARAJ
CEO-ADM