Zones of peace

Maracas Bay and Mount St Benedict were two of my favourite places to find peace and tranquillity. I am a firm believer in ecotherapy, as exposure to green and blue spaces is linked to numerous benefits—improved attention, lower stress, better mood, and a reduced risk of psychiatric disorders.

Sadly, the fear of crime, poor infrastructure, and harassment by drug addicts and socially displaced persons have kept me from getting the recommended 120 minutes of weekly outdoor time.

The Government’s recent attempts to improve safety at these locations are a step in the right direction.

I often looked forward to my visits to Maracas Bay. I usually parked in front of the Maracas Bay Hotel and crossed the bridge to set up my folding tent. My family and I even stayed at the hotel twice, just to awaken to the sound of the ocean and enjoy an early morning swim.

On one occasion, after setting up near a shaded coconut tree, eight teenagers decided to sit right next to us, despite the beach having ample space. They cursed loudly and blasted music from a boombox. Our peaceful time was shattered. That outing—ten years ago—was my last family visit to Maracas. Now, I watch the war of words between current and former government ministers over the state of Maracas Bay.

Footage of a recent fight on the beach sparked accusations of gang activity and a loss of public safety. A letter by Dexter Rigsby described his experience being harassed by aggressive, young men insisting he rent their tents, chairs, and umbrellas. When he refused and laid out his towels, they erected a tent mere inches behind him, clearly to intimidate.

He described how, on long weekends, these vendors pre-emptively set up tents in the best spots—effectively forcing beachgoers to pay to use them.

Beach operations fall under the Ministry of Tourism and UDeCOTT. Yet both the aggressive behaviour and unregulated furniture rental seem unchecked. If Senator Phillip Alexander can bring change, I would gladly return.

Issues like the flood-prone car park, recurring sewage problems, and fair pay for lifeguards must also be addressed.

Mount St Benedict, my other refuge, has also faced decline. Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath must be thanked for addressing overgrown trees resting on power lines—a danger ignored for two years until recently trimmed “in a single day.”

Padarath rightfully said Mount St Benedict holds national significance, offering support and solace to many.

While visiting on Tuesday, I witnessed the tree cutting. But I also saw a scantily clad individual walking in the middle of St John’s Road. My instincts went on high alert. Instead of relaxing, I was mentally preparing for “fight or flight.”

This is where I make my appeal.

In September 2022, during a senatorial debate, I urged the government to invest in safe public spaces—Zones of Peace. I said: “Walking, exercising, spending time in nature or on the beach offers therapeutic healing. We need safe spaces where people can relax with loved ones, with proper security for both people and vehicles, and without unruly behaviour or noise pollution.”

We desperately need Zones of Peace in T&T—areas where families can reconnect with nature and feel safe. Amidst growing crime, these peaceful zones can provide physical and psychological healing for stressed communities. I suggest:

1. Designated Peace Parks: Convert or create green spaces where loud music, alcohol, and loitering are prohibited. Include natural landscaping, benches, water features, and clear signage promoting tranquillity.

2. Joint Police/Military Patrols: Visible patrols at entry points, car parks, and beaches.

Places like the Paramin Lookout and Lady Young Road offer breathtaking views. Eddie Hart Grounds has great food stalls. Yet, all would benefit from a stronger security presence.

In Medellín, Colombia, “Library Parks” were created—blending nature, education, and safety—transforming the city’s image. Why not here?

Crime has forced me to seek peace abroad. In Fort Lauderdale, my wife and I retreat to the Hilton hotel balcony, spending hours in silence, feeling safe, serene, and reconnected.

Dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing—is essential to our marriage success. Just sitting canoodling in silence, without interacting with people, patients, or children, gives us the space to recharge.

Persons deserve similar sanctuaries in T&T—places to feel safe, to relax, and to simply breathe.

Let’s make Zones of Peace a national priority.