Senior Reporter
jensen.lavende@guardian.co.tt
Residents across Diego Martin say a sharp reduction in funding to the borough corporation could worsen long-standing problems, including flooding, blocked drains, overgrown lots and deteriorating infrastructure. Some also accused the Government of politically disadvantaging the area.
Development funding for all seven People’s National Movement (PNM)-controlled municipal corporations was reduced in the 2027 Budget. Their combined allocation fell by $49.55 million, or 61 per cent, compared with the original provisions for fiscal 2026. Diego Martin faced the steepest percentage cut, with its allocation falling from $11.1 million to $2.22 million—an 80 per cent decrease.
At Hillaire Street, Eastlyn Farrell, who said she had lived in Diego Martin for 35 years, questioned how the corporation could maintain roads and drains with such limited resources.
“What dey want them to do with that? What do you want them to do with that? They was done catching the a** with the money they get (last year). Now to drop the money for them to do what? What that money going to do?”
Farrell said conditions had worsened since the cancellation of the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP). She also complained that drain-cleaning exercises were often ineffective because debris removed from waterways was left by the roadside and eventually washed back into the drains when it rained.
Pointing to a damaged retaining wall near her home, Farrell said flooding caused by blocked drains had undermined the structure, leaving her family facing repair costs they could scarcely afford. Asked whether she believed the funding reduction was politically motivated, Farrell replied, “Yes.” She said residents felt the borough was being overlooked because it had traditionally been regarded as a PNM stronghold.
A 62-year-old lifelong Diego Martin resident, who did not want to be identified, also expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the area. He said that despite decades of promises, there had been “no improvement” and suggested that communities seen as supporting the Government were receiving more attention.
He described the funding cut as unfair and said residents should not be penalised because of their political affiliations. He also questioned whether some corporation workers were doing their jobs.
“When people put out rubbish on the road to pick up, they not picking it up. But they complaining they didn’t get enough money in corporation. They sitting down and playing card. They’re not working, they’re not working for the money,” he said.
Not all residents blamed the funding cut alone. Bagatelle resident Noellyn Sam argued that the corporation had performed poorly even when it received larger allocations. He complained that roads and public spaces were not adequately maintained and said the corporation would have a stronger case for additional resources if it worked more effectively.
Sam highlighted uncovered manholes and neglected drains as hazards for pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren. He said $2 million would be insufficient to address Diego Martin’s needs, but added that the money should be spent wisely.
“I think the money going in somebody’s pocket—have to be. Who pocket it’s going into? That’s the question,” he said.
Despite differing views on whether politics or the corporation’s performance was to blame, the residents agreed that Diego Martin faced serious maintenance challenges requiring urgent attention to address drainage, infrastructure and public safety concerns.
Dave Dixon, of Regent Drive off St Lucien Road, said he had lived in the area for about eight years. He urged residents to speak up collectively about their communities and demand improvements. He added that upkeep was not solely the State’s responsibility; citizens also had a role.
“We have to make our place look good. If we have our place looking messy, it would devalue our house and if you want to sell your house, nobody would want to buy a place rundown,” he said. Dixon added that, because he lived in a corner house, he felt compelled to clean the area.
“If I don’t do it, nobody ain’t going to do it.”
