Why should citizens bear brunt of debt?

THE EDITOR: I write this letter to express my deep concern regarding the mounting debt owed by the Government to the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC), amounting to a staggering $1.4 billion.

In light of this significant outstanding sum, it is unjust and burdensome for the citizens of our nation to bear the responsibility of paying T&TEC during these challenging economic times.

T&TEC plays a vital role in providing essential electricity services to the people of TT. However, the burden of the Government's debt should not be shifted onto the shoulders of citizens who are already grappling with economic hardships, rising costs of living, and the impacts of covid19.

It is unfair to demand that individuals and businesses shoulder the weight of T&TEC's financial obligations when the Government itself has failed to fulfil its commitments.

The Government's failure to settle its debt with T&TEC not only undermines the financial stability of the commission, but also hampers its ability to operate efficiently.

This situation can have dire consequences for the provision of an uninterrupted electricity service, infrastructure maintenance, and future development projects. However, it is imperative to address this issue without placing an undue financial burden on citizens.

It is the Government's responsibility to ensure the efficient functioning of essential public services, including electricity provision. Therefore, it must take immediate action to rectify the situation and settle its outstanding debt to T&TEC.

This could involve exploring alternative funding mechanisms, negotiating repayment plans, or seeking assistance from international financial institutions to alleviate the burden on citizens.

Furthermore, transparency and accountability are paramount in addressing this issue. The Government should provide a clear timeline and action plan for repaying the debt, ensuring that citizens are aware of the steps being taken to resolve the situation. Open communication among the Government, T&TEC and the public is essential to maintain trust and facilitate a fair resolution.

In these challenging times, when citizens are already facing economic hardships and uncertainty, it is crucial for the Government to prioritise the welfare of its people.

The burden of T&TEC's debt should not fall on the shoulders of individuals and businesses struggling to make ends meet. Instead, the Government must take responsibility for its obligations and work towards a fair and equitable solution that does not exacerbate the financial strain on the people of the country.

It is my hope that through public discourse and collective pressure we can encourage the Government to address this issue promptly and find a sustainable resolution that does not burden the already weary citizens.

CURTIS A OBRADY

via e-mail