Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley does not believe a problem exists on the seabridge. He told the nation on Tuesday that there is a temporary disruption in the shipment of cargo between the islands but it will return to normal shortly.
Responding to questions from the media, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine stated that Dr. Rowley is well within his right to request patience. However, he pointed out that the absence of certain items from grocery shelves and empty warehouses in hardware stores serves as evidence that a problem indeed exists.
The Cabo Star suffered an engine room fire on August 23rd, causing it to be out of service for over three weeks and disrupting the transportation of cargo across the island. Repairs are nearly finished, and according to the Port Authority, the vessel is expected to be recertified for service on Monday. Meanwhile, the MV Emprendedora from Venezuela and the Galleons Passage are aiding in cargo shipments. However, the Chief Secretary emphasized that a simple repair to the Cabo Star is not sufficient.
He is seeking a meeting with the Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinannan, as well as the Port Authority to get these questions answered. Meanwhile, he said the situation is another pillar in the argument for greater autonomy in Tobago. He also called on Tobagonians to play their part in decreasing their dependence on Trinidad and fostering greater food security in Tobago.
