In a sadly far from unique scenario, the island country of Trinidad and Tobago has been suffering a series of massive oil spills.
Last winter, on the 17th of December, officials found a massive spill on Trinidad. The oil was covering beaches and the fragile mangrove habitats. Several more were found after that, and at the beginning of February this year, fishermen reported yet another.
The state-owned company controlling the oil industry in Trinidad, Petrokin, is behind all these disasters. It tried to pass the blame onto mysterious, unknown saboteurs for two of the spills, but still received a $3.1 million fine.
Fines, however, are not enough, especially given how profitable the oil industry is. These spills are destroying Trinidad’s aquatic ecosystems and wildlife, and ultimately the fishing and tourist industries. One would be unacceptable, but so many in such a short space of time is ridiculous.
Ask the authorities to launch an independent investigation into the oil spills as a matter of urgency.
We the undersigned ask that you arrange an independent investigation into the oil spills on Trinidad as a matter of urgency. The number and severity of the spills discovered suggests serious negligence on the part of Petrokin, especially given that no major maintenance has been carried out recently.
It appears the company must take drastic action on safety to prevent any more of these disastrous spills, which threaten wildlife along with the tourism and fishing industries, and all the people whose livelihoods depend on them. If it does turn out that the spills are because of vandalism, then immediate action must still be taken, and this is Petrokin’s responsibility.
Please do not let the oil industry ruin the island through carelessness.
Thank you for your attention.
