I was totally shocked out of my senses last Saturday, as I entered Salybia Beach, Toco. My first reaction in astonishment was “Oh my God!” I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe what greeted my eyes. My immediate thoughts were, “They have totally destroyed this unspoilt beautiful piece of nature; this place of natural beauty. Trinidad really gone through.”
I have been a regular visitor to this once pristine area and gift of nature over the past 40 years; my last visit being approximately three years ago. During these years it was a joy to make the two and a half hour trip from Diego Martin. A lot of driving, however it was a journey worth the while to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a place of serenity, natural beauty and to a place of tranquillity that totally transformed one’s inner spirit and purpose of wellbeing.
Salybia Beach of today, totally depressed me. A sense of sadness entered my inner soul. Gone were most of the natural shorter vegetation which lined the beach, gone were the sea grape trees and many almond and coconut trees.
Scattered among the remaining vegetation were ugly concrete huts occupied by vendors and one gross yellow building surrounded by an unsightly tall, white picket fence occupied by a few life guards.
Further along the beach front, there was a long concrete structure from which very loud music pierced the atmosphere that disturbed the serenity which existed there over the years. Yes, there were also large tents permanently placed on location and the presence of approximately 15 fishing boats anchored at the bay. Needless to say there was garbage, with no bins in sight.
Why was this degradation, perpetuated by a few individuals, allowed to take place? Will the present administration fix the problem? Why is the regional corporation allowing this? In my opinion, the rape and destruction of this once “Jewel of Toco” can be reversed if the will is there to do so.
A careful development plan is needed for the area. All concrete structures should be removed and relocated to a more suitable position across the road. Replanting of destroyed vegetation and a general beautification project is needed if we hope to seriously promote local, regional and foreign tourism.
Are we really such a don’t-care society? This attitude is destroying the nation. Our leaders need to lead by example and take the tough decisions to fix the ills.
Making the journey to Salybia, Toco will not be on my future schedule because it just does not make sense any more to leave the comfort of my home to travel to a place that I now consider a total disaster. No longer would I take visitors to this area or recommend it to anyone.
My appeal to all those in authority and to fellow citizens is to simply change the negative attitudes towards the environment; changed attitudes will conserve and preserve the beauty of the natural environment for all our future offspring to enjoy.
Maybe I’ll return to Salybia one day. Hopefully, maybe, one day.
Michael F Manuel