00:00 In response to a significant oil spill last week, Trinidad and Tobago has declared a national
00:07 emergency.
00:09 The government has pledged unwavering commitment to restore the island's beaches, promising
00:14 no expense spared in the rehabilitation efforts.
00:17 Meanwhile, a Clean Gulf Associates response vessel is actively engaged in skimming crude
00:22 oil approximately 4 miles southeast of South Pass, Louisiana.
00:27 The oil spill has affected numerous beaches along Tobago's southwest coast, leaving them
00:32 coated with oil.
00:34 Despite efforts, the government has yet to ascertain the owner of the vessel responsible
00:37 for the spill.
00:38 Prime Minister Keith Rowley has stated that the extent of the spillage remains unclear,
00:44 as does the amount of oil remaining aboard the predominantly submerged vessel.
00:49 An unknown vessel has apparently drifted upside down into Tobago.
00:53 That vessel, we don't know who it belongs to.
00:55 We have no idea where it came from and we also don't know all that it contains," the
01:00 prime minister said at a press conference reported by the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.
01:05 "What we do know is that it appears to be broken and is leaking some kind of hydrocarbon
01:10 that is fouling the water and the coastline," Rowley added.
01:14 The vessel could have come to us from any kind of operation, especially if the operation
01:18 is illicit.
01:19 Fahliu Augustine, chief secretary of Tobago's House of Assemblies, said, adding that the
01:24 divers had not been able to contain the leak.
01:27 They were reportedly trying to determine how to remove the remaining oil.
01:30 Rowley emphasised the anticipated high costs associated with the clean-up efforts, labelling
01:35 the situation as a national emergency that necessitates extraordinary funding.
01:40 He stressed the need to allocate resources promptly, emphasising the importance of prioritising
01:45 this endeavour.
01:46 Despite the significant expenses incurred in the response phase, Rowley cautioned that
01:50 effective cleaning and restoration can only commence once the situation is brought fully
01:54 under control.
01:55 While acknowledging that the current state is not yet fully managed, he expressed confidence
02:00 that it is sufficiently contained to allow for manageable operations.
02:11 [MUSIC PLAYING]
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