Major Oil Spill in Trinidad- Let's see the bigger picture!!!!

Several questions are being asked for the past few days whether it was a lack of management on Petrotrin's behalf or if sabotage was suspected. According to reports, President of Petrotrin, Khalid Hassanali said he had received a report that oil had been deliberately spill by leaving a tank valve open at Trinity Oil and Gas, one of Petrotrin's lease operators. My question is, "why would an individual even do such deed???" According to Ancel Roget, President of OWTU said Petrotrin is short by some 273 security officers. Now, I do not know how true this is but what I do know is now is not the time for dispute between Petrotrin and the OWTU, but to see the bigger picture that is to work together with several authorities in place (EMA, WASA, Ministry of Energy and the Environment and Health, IMA) to help control this "Environmental Disaster" which has occurred. 

In yesterday's news, it was reported that an SOS was sent out to one of the largest oil spill response companies in the US to help clean up the spill in La Brea. Several residents have been affected by this oil spill resulting in nausea and headaches. Marine life of more concern is of greater danger and risk as this can reduce the population and species number in Trinidad as well as affect the lives of humans as this is a source of food and income to us. Such marine life is of risk for example, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in respiration and heart rates, reproduction impairment and also has effects on larval survival.

With this being said the EMA is currently looking into what steps can be taken to better enforce compliance with environmental laws as well as the management of Petrotrin and is boosting security around fuel installations amongst the south-western area. Let's just hope this enforcement of laws and boost of security continues repeatedly and not only when there is a "disaster". 

Let's all wish for the best that this oil spill suppresses very soon and that the effects are limited on both marine and human life. 

Oil covering a Station Beach in La Brea on south-west Trinidad. Kristian de Silva/ Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.

Employees of state-owned Petrotrin pull a containment boom as the try to contain the spread of the oil spill at Queen's Beach La Brea yesterday. Petrotrin has now entered into it's sixth day of clean up of the oil spill along the south-western coastline which is affecting communities from La Brea to Cedros. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

A GREAT REVOLUTIONARY!!!!

Despite this blog is about conserving the Environment I would like to take some time and pay respect to one of the greatest men on earth, The Honourable Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Throughout his 95 years he became an idol and an inspiration to many throughout several nations. He was a Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.

Mandela was an African Nationalist and believed in democracy, driven by belief in natural and human rights. With this, it drove him to not only pursue racial equality but also to promote gay rights as part of the post-apartheid reforms. Despite all his struggles he fought for what he thought was best for his country and people and with this I will end with stimulating quotes of a simple, humble and inspirational man:

“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” —Long Walk to Freedom

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is people who have made poverty and tolerated poverty, and it is people who will overcome it. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”

“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”

R.I.P The Honourable Nelson Mandela, you will always be remembered for your ENORMITY!!!!