The proposed construction of an aluminium smelter along the South-western peninsula of T&T has galvanised concerned citizens to fight against what they see as a threat to the country’s well-being.

Almost everyday, the newspapers are filled with stories of marches, meetings and letters to the editor, calling on the Government to rethink its position regarding the smelter projects.

The movements are born primarily out of concern for this country’s already fragile environment. Smelters, it is believed, emit dangerous pollutants that could not only affect flora and fauna, but impact on the health of the people in and around the areas where the plants are constructed.

In a country where no air pollution laws exist and the Environmental Management Authority is considered a toothless bulldog, people are rightly concerned that industrialisation is being given priority over the country’s health.

While she does not consider herself an activist, Petra Bridgemohan (pgs 4&5) is one concerned citizen who has decided that she cannot sit quietly and watch the Government sign a “genocide pact.”

In an interview with reporter Attillah Springer, she said, “If being an activist is about standing up for what is right, then I hope we have more activists in this country.”

Bridgemohan, an optometrist by profession, was drafted in a year ago by friends of the Cedros Peninsula United to assist with its fight. She has been doing extensive research about the aluminium smelting industry and how it would impact on the country.

“It is about our democratic power and the Government’s duty to inform us. People who operate within capitalist systems are answering to their shareholders. The Government needs to understand we are their shareholders and they should prepared to deal with our concerns. Nobody is saying that industrialisation shouldn’t happen. But somebody needs to take stock of the risks,” she said.

Battling cancer, Bridgemohan believes there is a correlation between the increase locally in diseases such as cancer and the heavy industrialisation that is going on.

She said that before any other heavy industries are introduced, there needs to be an assessment of the public health risks and an introduction of some monitoring system.

For Bridgemohan, it’s the smelter plants. For others, it’s HIV/Aids, illiteracy, street children, battered women. The lesson here is that no matter the issue, instead of being an armchair critic, one has the power to change the village, town, city — the world. Get up and fight for what you believe. Start small, because every little action adds up.

Take action every day — some small dose at a time

Jeffrey Gitomer