Gas
subsidy cash for the jet-set?
I have been deliberately trying not to read or listen to anything about this
jet purchase-as each time I do, I get an instant pounding headache.
But, in my moments of weakness, I do manage to
read some of the articles and I can no longer muzzle
myself. I must drop my two cents into the picture.
I cannot, for one minute, even
comprehend Mr Conrad Enill's comments that we
must do away with the
gas subsidy "because the money could be better
spent elsewhere". What nonsensical rubbish!
What? On an executive jet? I guess
it makes a lot of sense to give up the gas subsidy,
yet still
spend a heap-full of "OUR" dollars on
an executive jet for the boys. And the justification
is that "the boys" cannot afford to waste
time with the hassles of commercial flying-even
though they benefit from a whole host of VIP treatment
during the process.
They, of all people, cannot afford to waste their
time because their time is more important than
anyone else's! It's so ridiculous, one could almost
muster a laugh. Just writing this is sending my
blood pressure through the roof. Why was this not
announced before elections? We all know why-but
tell us! In five years, this population will not
be fooled again and we will remember this.
If all was well in all quarters of the country,
I perhaps would not have had a problem with this,
BUT all is not well. Perhaps, instead of spending
these ridiculous millions on flying high, just
perhaps, more duties could be removed from food
imports.
If you want me to list those, I could, but I suggest
that the editor research this and print a lengthy
article about the duties that are charged that
trickle into the prices on the shelves.
But, no, Manning and the boys are entitled to
spending OUR tax dollars to live a fast and luxurious
life in the skies.
As mere mortals, our time is less important and
we should continue to suffer more-so instead, let
us remove the gas subsidy and compound the issues
more and send the cost of living up even more.
And I must comment on the letter
from "Trini
Abroad" (Express, March 11, Page 14). Simply
put, you obviously do not live here and, therefore,
you should be one of the last people to comment
on this jet purchase.
Come back and experience what has been going on
here for a while and maybe your thinking will change.
Come back and line up from 3 a.m. on Frederick
Street for a passport and leave the passport office
after 11 a.m. (like my wife and I did in February).
Come back and experience Mr Manning's "arrogance" and "disregard" with
regard to this population.
Come back and experience the "cockiness" of
some Ministers (like Mr Imbert). Come back and
experience the total lawlessness on the roads (with
wrong-and-strong drivers that use the highway shoulders
every day), with little or no police presence (the
usual seven-day wonder is now a two-day wonder).
Come back and experience looking over your shoulders
every day because of the crime situation. Come
back and experience the numerous issues that plague
the health care system (lack of hospital beds,
staff, medication, etc).
Come back and see your loved one on a stretcher
in the emergency room for hours without any attention.
Come back and experience the time spent in traffic
in this little country (while our Ministers, Coast
Guard, Regiment and taxis whiz by).
Come back and experience what WASA dishes out
for us. Come back.
Come back and tell us that our boys need an executive
jet to save them time and frustration. I may very
well join you soon in my efforts to seek a better
quality of life.
Trini Here
Glencoe
Thursday,
March 13th 2008 / Trinidad Express
