Duke: Govt must ‘mash brakes’ on Forestry Authority

Scores of workers from the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture braved the rain in protest outside the Parliament yesterday to show disapproval with Government’s decision to establish a Forestry Authority. They were led by president of the Public Services Association (PSA) Watson Duke who said over 2,000 jobs were being threatened with the breadline. Duke said the Government was moving speedily with draft legislation without consulting the association. The workers started their protest on Long Circular Road, St James, around 11 am and walked to the Parliament, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, arriving there around 1 pm. They encircled Tower D of the International Waterfront Complex before taking the noisy protest in front the Parliament. 

 

The workers called out for Housing and the Environment Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal who was inside. “We want Moonilal. We want Moonilal,” they chanted. After minutes of shouting for him, the minister was seen through the glass panels walking down the stairs. Police called out to Duke who went inside and spoke briefly with Moonilal. Duke later said Moonilal would hold discussions with him on Monday. “I met with the minister but I ain’t taking anything for granted.

“Government has one goal, that is to govern.” Duke said government had to “mash brakes” and meet with the union before making further plans. He said the workers should be ensured of job security.