CEPEP Shutdown: Trinidad’s Growing Environmental Crisis

Trinidad’s Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) shutdown is causing a national crisis. Initially, a quiet administrative decision, the effects of the shutdown are now visible and causing alarm. Public spaces are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance, leading to overgrown vegetation and increased safety hazards on roads and walkways. The situation has aggravated flash floods due to clogged drains and waterways. Health officials also warn of heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases due to stagnant water in blocked drains. Additionally, the shutdown has resulted in job losses for thousands of CEPEP workers, sparking social concerns. Citizens, businesses, and local government representatives are now calling for immediate intervention. They are advocating for the restoration of CEPEP funding, emergency clean-up drives by community volunteers, and long-term reforms to ensure consistent service delivery from CEPEP.