Workers, especially police officers and public servants, have suddenly become brave and are protesting with vigour. When the PNM was in government with Patrick Manning as Prime Minister, those same brave workers could not even whimper. The Tactical Unit was always there if there was even a thought to protest. The PNM turf had to be protected. The few brave individuals who defied the PNM Government felt it at their workplace one way or the other; dog house for them.
These same union leaders dared not walk in groups anywhere. The same police and tactical officers were there to lock up, beat and push around protesters when they tried to raise the same issues with Manning and the PNM government. A radio station employee felt the weight of Manning's presence when he voiced an opinion on radio that did not please the then PM. Manning rushed from his barber's chair to voice his opinion to the person's boss. A policeman who had a run-in with Manning lost his job. Many were denied promotion or transferred to "Neverland" who were speaking out.
This same Natuc executive, PSA executive, OWTU executive and Fitun executive all went to Manning on numerous occasions on the same outstanding negotiations and other matters for years and were all referred to Lenny Saith. Nothing given and nothing done. Why? They all had one thing in common-the PNM. There are many reasons for the sudden bravery but one stands out-freedom of expression without fear of victimisation or police brutality that did not exist under their PNM.
Lystra Lythe
Sangre Grande