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THE EDITOR: Tobago is reportedly assessed as being populated by about 60,000 citizens. The fight for autonomy from central government in Trinidad will obviously take a few more years. Why? Because since the takeover of the THA by the PDP a few years ago, it has been mistake after mistake regarding the smooth governance of Tobago.

The anti-PNM folk were in their glee. Fair enough. TT is a democracy and one must respect the winning of an election. But, as said by the PNM, without it in office there will be chaos. At this present time, there is a fair amount of political chaos.

Some people may refer to the mistakes made as "dolly house politicking." The THA's leading people are young and not accustomed to informed governance. But how long can inefficiency be tolerated?

The allegations of gross mismanagement have become critical.

It is my view that only Tobago people can fix Tobago. Why? Because with so small a population every man jack will be related, went to school together and will generally know what behind-the-scene schemes are being played out in Tobago.

The sudden upsurge of crime in Tobago must have been just waiting to happen. Drugs, guns and murders most foul have become dreadful. What has brought on the uptick in violent crime?

Forget the talk of the THA taking control of Tobago borders. That is a distinctly obvious legal chore for central government, not the THA.

My humble suggestion is that there must be strict control of what gets brought into Tobago. Every suitcase, every box, every truckload of food and stocks must be monitored. The ferry service is/must surely be part and parcel of the upsurge in criminality on the island.

Why are so many loaded trucks and cars arriving via the ferry without being closely monitored? How else can items for committing crime enter the island if not deliberately loaded?

Admit it. You cannot bring a gun in a plastic/paper bag or rolled up with your swimming trunks inside your suitcase. The only items that cannot be immediately found will be drugs and small jewellery that can be swallowed and then vacated in a toilet.

The entry/exits of ports and both local and foreign visitors must also be searched. I am talking about handbags and suitcases – or visitors will not be allowed to enter Tobago.

Trucks and cars which have not been closely examined should not be riding on the ferry.

End of story.

LYNETTE JOSEPH

Diego Martin