Rumblings and ramblings of the times

Whilst the weather is unpredictable, most people know that heavy rains bring flooding in the usual flood-prone areas. In the past, the Minister of Works blamed climate change for the major flooding events in downtown Port-of-Spain. Unfortunately, this has been happening for many years whenever there is heavy rain. Therefore, the flooding issue cannot be due solely to climate change.

Similarly, the Morvant Barataria Roundabout Upgrade project was identified as a critical relief measure to reduce traffic congestion and flooding in Morvant, Laventille, Barataria, and environs. This project was completed in 2022. The upgrade failed to prevent the flooding which inundated the Barataria roundabout and brought traffic to a standstill last Monday. Climate change and changing weather patterns are not going away. The current projections suggest that few countries will meet their climate change commitments. This implies that normal infrastructure maintenance will be insufficient, requiring more rigorous infrastructure interventions.

Similarly, the world had to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago. Again, the predictions are that we will see another pandemic even if its origins are different. Official data suggests that the current outbreak of dengue fever is manageable, though anecdotal evidence indicates that the infection rate is much higher than the official statistics. Whilst we appreciate that citizens need to be more vigilant and self-aware, citizens are not solely to blame.

Last Tuesday, the Minister of Health noted that the number of notices to homeowners to clean up their premises had risen from 31 to 441 in less than a month. It is more probable that the increase in notices issued results from greater surveillance rather than a decline in housekeeping standards. The minister has suggested that the Insect Vector Control Division is doing its part by completing 160,000 home visits supported by a programme of strategic spraying. So why is the number of cases rising if the outbreak is limited to specific geographical locations?

Perhaps the changed weather pattern and increased rainfall are blessings. It is replenishing the groundwater supplies and filling the reservoirs. The wet conditions also reduce the risk of fires. This has the beneficial impact of preventing the loss of life and property, as Fire Services Association (Second Division) president Keone Guy is reporting that fire stations lack functional appliances to respond to fires nationwide. He also says this situation is compounded by a shortage of emergency equipment, including personal protective equipment.

Also, newspaper reports indicate that TTUTA wrote to the CPO asking for his help to speed up insurance refunds due to members. The refunds are estimated at $33 million and are said to be taking up to 13 months versus the expected four to six weeks. The insurance plan is a condition of service and forms part of the union agreement. The Government, as employer, contributes 60 per cent of the plan and teachers 40 per cent.

TTUTA forms part of the management committee of the plan but has not been shown results of an audit commissioned by the Finance Ministry and carried out by ministry officials. The plan is in deficit. Why is the plan in deficit? Has the Finance Ministry been paying its contributions? Or is the plan in the same position as those waiting on VAT refunds?

Whatever the reason, it appears that the rainy season, guava season and election season have coincided.

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