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rainy season rain



I must say with all the extreme weather happening around the world we on the Rock are experiencing yet another ordinary, regular ole rainy season. Yes, we will have the troughs, the systems, the waves, all part of the season. Coming on the heels of heavy rain is the annual affair of flooding. This time it seems that the rain has returned to the northern part of the island with a vengeance. Pelting rain for two consistent days and the poor people of the north flooded out again and then again. This was obviously part of the reason that when the Ag. AG ventured into his Constituency today not all the residents were happy to see him. One or two became a bit overwhelmed with the fact that a high official had taken the time to visit with them and proceded to soak him down with the flood water. I do not for a minute condone this type of behavior but after being flooded out twice in as many days one may be a bit frustrated. The fact that the MP was the then Ag. AG may have been overlooked at least for that brief moment. The Ag. AG's comments later on the 7.00pm news I thought a bit unfortunate, as one who has experienced first hand the total destruction that flooding brings with it may not like being referred to as an 'idiot'.
Just like pipe borne water has certain definite elements to it that must be in place for a population to receive a 24/7 supply of potable water flooding has it's own. You cannot expect clogged waterways, garbage strewn drains, blocked rivers, silted up river mouths, no drainage, busted culverts, non-functioning drainage pumps, and a host of other reasons and still have good drainage which would prevent flooding.
People have to be educated, generations have to be educated, broken infrastructure has to be fixed permanently, drainage systems across the Rock have to be reassessed and re-engineered if proven inadequate. Where we live in the Moka Valley, a former citrus estate, there was a spillway instead of a bridge. After further development, this was replaced with a proper bridge. My point is that after years of urban development and sprawl the original drainage systems are not adequate for the runoff and therefore it must be upgraded. Therefore it is not a case of only 'idiots' throwing rubbish into the streets and drains it is the responsibility of Town and Country Planning, Regional Corporations, Ministry of Works to ensure that the drainage is more than adequate. If the systems cannot accommodate rainy season rain then what is going to happen to us in a one in a 50 yr storm? A lot of people being very angry at their MP's.

I am not sure why but we seem to have an obsession with boats. I have seen such vigor and purpose dealing with boats. From captain to cook, everybody is all of a sudden an expert. The one group of people we are not hearing from are the experts. We have had a very checkered past when it comes to the purchasing of marine craft and so the status quo continues. I have always maintained that if you cannot see below the water line then you should not be involved in buying anything marine, there are more than enough experts to deal with that. Each to his own! Remember there are pirates still out there!

Tonight's listening playlist is of course none other than the great Aretha Franklin. Wonderful memories of her powerful voice, soulful, and a great performer. Hope she pulls through!

Tomorrow's forecast calls for very little rain, 10% precipitation.  Let's hope so, people need to get back to their regular routine. A little historical trivia, in August 1851 Trinidad averaged 16.81 inches of rainfall. That equates to 420mm, that was a thirteen year high at the time. Word of advice to MP's, sometimes it's best that you tour your constituency before the rains start, identify the areas of concern and make every attempt to have the situation rectified. Rainy season rain will always bring out the best in people!

Good night fellow citizens of the Great Rock, sleep well tonight, secure your raft and good luck!




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