After my most recent round trip on the inter-island fast ferry service, I feel I must address the matter of falling standards which have become apparent.

Notwithstanding his seemingly brash style and even comical mannerisms when speaking in Parliament, there can be no doubt that Colm Imbert, upon leaving office as Minister of Works and Transport, bequeathed us a highly efficient and most satisfactory inter-island service that was operated by the two catamaran ferries.

Fortunately both vessels appear to continue to function satisfactorily mechanically and are therefore able to meet the schedules they have been assigned.

Their outward appearance is still as immaculate as ever. It is clear, nevertheless, that the disease of lack of maintenance of national assets has become so contagious that, in the relatively short period of 20 months, this much-heralded service has deteriorated in some areas to an extent that is quite unimaginable.

Here are some of the defects which are identified in respect of both vessels — the T&T Express and the T&T Spirit — the latter being in a less parlous state overall:

(1) The number of sailings scheduled have been reduced, so much so that there is now apprehension that one may not obtain a booking as desired; needless to say bookings have become much harder to obtain during periods of high-density demand.

(2) There appears to be reduced purposefulness and enthusiasm among the staff. The management should be held accountable.

(3) After leaving port, security personnel are scarcely to be seen, thereby opening the way for vandalism and the conversion of passenger accommodation into sleeping bunks.

(4) Judging from a recent occurrence which I have been made aware of, there appears to be a lack of personnel who are trained as paramedics and in First Aid. If they do exist, I am told that their response in addressing the crisis which I referred to was unprofessional.

(5) Toilets and face basins are obviously not being properly maintained, leaving one to wonder whether a cleaning contractor has been hired.

Unfortunately, more unsatisfactory features are in the offing in respect of the T&T Express. Here they are:

(1) Most seats have reached the point where the stuffing is not discernible, so much so that the passenger finds himself or herself having to make do by sitting on what can be described as the iron frame.

(2) Seats that still have a semblance of their coverings are filthy and clearly unsanitary.

(3) It is said that at times (presumably at high or variable tide) this vessel (unlike its sister-ship which is fitted with its own dedicated ramp), is unable to load or unload vehicles at Scarborough.

It is said, also, that there is a problem whenever a cruise ship happens to be in port. One understands that a portable ramp which was used to fill this breach, when necessary, is no longer in operation.

The ferry service is now being run by a special service company which is, operationally, a "subsidiary" of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

One hears that this company is being starved of funds thereby rendering it unable to carry out its duties satisfactorily.

Is it that the subsidy which is being provided is too small or are the revenues which are being collected insufficient? Whatever the cause this matter needs to be addressed urgently.

Errol OC Cupid

Tacarigua