Article A29 · Book 1 · Scrapbook page p.26
Why we laugh when we hear people cry for water
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THE EDITOR: Politicians are basically selfish people who seek their own interests.
The people? Well, they are "things" that are to be manipulated to achieve the politicians ends. There are examples in abundance. Take Henry Pain.
Not long ago many of us would have sworn that here was a new found champion of the people. The illusion did not last long however. The pace waxed warm too quickly for his liking.
What can you expect a true, true politician to do in these circumstances. Think about people or think about himself: Henry Pain left us in no doubt as to the answer. He is probably enjoying his romance in peace in some cooler country.
The people however, are still here. They will always remain, no matter how many politicians come and go. One thing is certain. No politician can do anything for them.
The people can continue to wait passively until the next manipulator comes along and the process will be repeated. Or they can take things into their own hands and manipulate the politicians.
ELECTION
Another example? Well, recall "instant politics" in Cedros prior to the elections. There was plenty action down there. Dr. Williams himself opened a fishing co-operative. Mr. Richardson was there. They promised all sorts of things.
Dr. Williams welcomed the protests of the people as the awakening for which he was long awaiting. Even his
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Parliamentary colleague: Lawyer Richardson smiled broadly in agreement.
Well election is over and everything has ended. You can't see Richardson. You can't see Dr. Williams. Everybody is asking where have they gone to? But Cedrosians are not daunted. They know from hard experience that they have to exist by their own ingenuity.
Granville R.C. School has been in a state of dis-repair for five years. But who will help to fix
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it? Granvillians led by Roman Catholic Priest Michael Pascal have been seeking help in vain from people in high and low places for years.
When we read in the newspapers of parents and pupils protesting lack of water and choked sewerages. We at Granville want to die with laughter at such trivialities when compared to what obtains at this school.
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FURNACE
There are no latrines or sewerages for the four hundred pupils and fifteen teachers. There is nothing therefore to choke of smell.
Hookworms, however, are rampant. The 1925 built school is 75 feet long and one hundred and forty-nine leaks have been counted when rain falls. A leak every six inches. In other words, the roof is a virtual sieve.
There is inadequate ventilation. The galvanized roof is not sealed. On a hot day the place is a furnace. Children will attest to the fact that their lunches remain warm due to the heat.
The desks and tables are creaky antique things. Valuably exhibits for a museum. (as printed; evidently "Valuable exhibits") They are held together only because of nails and human ingenuity.
But the best experience of all is when the bat filth falls. When the wind blows, showers of bat droppings fly from the roof to bathe those below. Sometimes with
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these bat filth storms, would fall cockroaches, bats, centipedes and other loathsome creatures.
Children scamper out of the classes when this happens. And teachers move in with brooms and sticks to clear the menace before regrouping their classes.
I do not want to belabour the point. Granville is a popular beach resort. And the school is also a church. Many people from all
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over Trinidad therefore, know what I am talking about.
Talk however, is not going to help. The people have therefore torn down the roof to bring some measure of relief to their children. They have no money. They have no materials. Only a determination to do something.
APPEAL
All those who are friends of Granville are invited to come forward and help. Send all donations to Father Pascal. To the authorities I make one last appeal. Go in and build a new school for the children's sake.
R.O. THACKOOVIE, Granville.