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'stand aside'





Finally the rain has eased up. I don't know what the rainfall measured over the last two weeks but I am pretty sure it met the expectations of the meteorological service.  Very glad for the sunshine as I was begining to think that literally everything on the rock was just getting all damp and soggy. But as life goes on we have our days.

The PATT confirmed recently that the two new vessels for the Tobago run would be here early to mid July. It's the 11th of July and one of the vessels, the passenger ferry is still 'pulling bull' out of its current homeport in Korea. Not sure what has happened? Even if the vessel left tomorrow by the time it sailed to Trinidad, had all the certification and inspection done by the local surveyors with all the accompanying documentation, it probably would not be in service before the end of August. This means yet another missed opportunity for the Tobago tourism industry.
The Ministry of Tourism has embarked on a staycation vacation marketing program. This is targeting locals to go and spend their vacation in Tobago. Between failure on the airbridge aircraft and from all reports the Spirit will not be sailing for some time again, how is this going to be possible? There is a letter to the editor today by a tourism expert commenting on the staycation vacation plan and the problems associated with a territory having to depend on locals for the industry's survival.
The international superstar Argentinian footballer who recently got married has just spent his honeymoon in the Caribbean at a resort in Antigua and Barbuda. Jamaica is on target to welcome 2.30 million stay over visitors, St Lucia is on target to have an additional 2,000 hotel rooms constructed. We are depending on locals who are finding it extremely difficult to even get to the sister isle as a result of a man made disaster, the Tobago ferry service.

I heard the LOTO making a statement last night at her regular Monday night meeting. I still do not understand why the LOTO is also not having weekly 'meet the press' meetings, anyway another issue. Yes, the LOTO makes the statement that the first cabinet note brought to the first cabinet meeting of her government was for the establishment of the Children's Life Fund Authority, however there were certain members of the cabinet that were not in agreement with the Fund as it would cost too much. I was at that cabinet meeting and for the life of me I cannot remember anyone in opposition to the establishment of the Fund. That was one of the main commitments of the PP government to the electorate. Maybe it was a big stone that was being pelted but I find it hard to believe that politics could actually go that low, should I be surprised?
It is very sad that this current administration has reverted to the old system of the value on any child's life is restricted to X, anything over that it is back to BBQ and carwash!

I had gone through a spate of bad service from a series of service providers at our home. All of a sudden I am getting calls saying that the service man is in the area and would now be a convenient time?
In contrast to this I am still finding it very difficult to get good labor for a company that I have an interest in. People not turning up for work, arriving late, lazing around and just not showing any interest in what they are doing. Our terms and conditions are better than industry average. It is disheartening to see young men behave this way. No one is saying that you must work for this company but until you are ready to move along at least be productive.
This recession will teach us all a good lesson in work ethic and what real productivity is!

Tomorrow is Wednesday already, half the week gone. I know one thing for sure, this administration will not be the one to lead us out of the situation we have found ourselves in and in fact the alternatives are not attractive. It is going to take good Trini maneuvering and creativity to save us. I just hope the powers that be stand aside when it starts to happen.

If you think we have issues stay tuned to the goings on in the northern climes, what great entertainment!





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