Ancestors weep: lessons from silk cotton tree
Thursday 10 December 2020
A large silk cotton tree near the town of Runnemede. Silk cotton trees are said to be haunted by jumbies. PHOTO COURTESY DIQE -
By DR RITA PEMBERTON
There was no indication that year 2020 would provide an unusual confluence of water, disease and culture which would inflict a severe blow to Tobago’s heritage. But the year ended as it began, with water management problems that proved detrimental to Tobago.
At the very start of the year, concerns about the island’s water supply commanded administrative attention amid the reality of a fierce dry season and reduced rainfall. The resulting subnormal water levels at the Hillsborough Dam led to the implementation of strict water restrictions which were challenged by covid19 and the increased demand for water to sanitise.
Culloden
Tobago
Trinidad-and-tobago
Hillsborough-dam
Netherlands
United-kingdom
Runnemede
Hillsborough
British
Dutch
King-george