Many believe ministers lead privileged lives and are immune from the daily challenges confronting the public. The tragic death of Lisa Julian Morris, the Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/Omera, and two of her children in a fire on December 16 in a fire has changed that thinking. It invited disbelief especially as it occurred on Farfan Street within walking distance of the Arima Fire Station.
The outpouring of grief demonstrated that the sudden, unexpected tragedy during the festive Christmas season resonated with the public. If a fire could kill a government minister and family members, it could happen to any one of us.
The following day, the Fire Services Association (FSA) issued a press release titled “Tragedy Will Unfortunately Strike Again.” To justify the dramatic headline, it identified “critical deficiencies,” “inadequate resources,” and “systemic issues.” The release named six fire stations without fire appliances and two fire stations that remained closed after many years. It also noted that other areas, most notably Arima, are underserved as they require more than one fire appliance.
The FSA release noted that successive governments’ budgetary allocations have been insufficient to address equipment shortages. It calculated that the amount required to address the equipment shortfall is approximately $100 million. It contradicted the National Security Minister’s comment that there were no outstanding requests for equipment resources. Instead, the release asserted that the TTFS was on the brink of collapse as many stations lacked suitable trucks and personal equipment.
All the facts are not yet known. Eyewitness reports from Farfan Sreet residents spoke of inadequate water pressure as a normal feature of life in the area. Why would the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation send its water tender to assist firefighters in their efforts to extinguish the fire if this were not an issue?
Public Utilities Minister, Marvin Gonsalves rejected claims by residents and the Fire Services arguing that recent repairs to the Hollis Reservoir had ensured an adequate water supply. He said: “Immediate action had been taken via the Subero St Booster to increase the pressure to the area.” This suggests that WASA’s response was quicker than the Fire Services.
The public understands government’s financial resources must be allocated in accordance with priorities. Protecting life is an apex priority, whether the threat to life is from crime or fire. If the FSA claim that a mere $100 million will address the existing equipment deficiencies, why have the Fire Services equipment requirements been ignored? Why build fire stations without equipping them as in Mayaro?
The contrast between the resources spent to construct the new Tobago airport and the equipment requirements of the T&T Fire Services (TTFS) is alarming. The current cost overruns on the Tobago airport are more than enough to eradicate all the equipment deficiencies in the TTFS for all of T&T. Indeed, the capacity of the new Tobago airport terminal will exceed the number of air travellers, local and foreign for many years to come, a solution to the wrong problem. Tobago needs 5000 more hotel beds at an international standard.
The new Tobago airport is a monument to assuage the island’s disaffection with the Central Government and to influence Tobago voters. The political calculation seems to have greater significance than the lives that could be lost because of a poorly functioning water utility, or an ill-equipped Fire Service.
No probe will solve this contradiction.
