Private, Public, Private

What is a Public Consultation? Whatever your interpretation is, I want to share with you how San Fernando City Corporation organised a public consultation on the development plans for San Fernando.

I had seen an advertisement in the newspaper placed by the Diego Martin Regional Corporation inviting members of the public to share their views on the development plans for that municipality. I know contracts had been given out to companies for development proposals and their contract includes input from all stake holders. Whoever the other stake holders are, I have always believed that the view of the man sitting on the pavement with his beer, the homeowner, the pedestrian, the roadside vendor and the store clerk will be the most important.

So I want to commend the Diego Martin Regional Corporation for doing what is necessary for a public consultation. Not San Fernando, though. I was told by a friend that the consultation would be held soon, how soon I didn't know. I called the City Council and was told that no arrangement had been made yet. I pored through newspapers to see if there was any information. Then I learnt that the date had been set for December 2 at 7.00 p.m. I called the Mayor's office again and learnt that the time was actually 5.30 p.m. So I am coming from Port of Spain in hours of traffic jam... did i ever get there?

It was then I realised what was going on. Another private tea party no doubt! Private guests. A time that suits them. The coordinator, Daniel Dookie, should get a pay cut for not knowing how to do simple things. He is already coasting on taxpayers' money having not faced the electorate. Where do they ever get these people from? Then there are his several extensions in office, legislated, to get additional salary. I have Senator Gail Merhair to thank for that.

This Council will not spend money to place an ad in the newspaper, but they will buy a brand new X -Trail PCL 1672 to go shopping at Southern Food Basket on a regular basis. Who on this Council has done anything to deserve an X- Trail? They will not hire a car with a loudspeaker to tell residents about the meeting but they will do so for some Carnival activity. Mayor Ferguson make big speech at his swearing in about how people will see their Councillors.. on bikes too!

Well, friends don't hold your breath. the San Fernando City Council is a Private Club and it is harder to find out what is going on there than at the Freemasons Lodge