Let's clean up tourism sites

THE EDITOR: As a result of its proximity to the South American mainland, Trinidad possesses a level of biodiversity that exceeds the other islands of the Caribbean archipelago. Tourists travel from various locales to behold the island’s flora and fauna.

For the average citizen, the best way to enjoy our rich biodiversity is via our hiking trails. On a recent hike to Rio Seco Waterfall, I was appalled to see a garbage receptacle overflowing onto the ground.

I observed the same thing when my hiking group visited Maracas Waterfall, although I must admit the situation there was much worse. I visited twice within six weeks and by the look of things there hadn't been any attempt clean up the area.

It appears that there has been a breakdown along the chain of responsibility for the upkeep of some of the nation’s eco-tourism sites, particularly the collection of garbage.

Clearly, this state of affairs cannot persist. I call upon the relevant authority to remedy this situation as a matter of urgency and to ensure that there is a functional system for the timeous collection and removal of garbage at Maracas Waterfall, Rio Seco Waterfall and any other eco-tourism site where garbage is being left uncollected for months.

COLIN DENOON

South Oropouche