‘Take Ish and go’ protesters say near US Embassy

“Take Ish and go!” That was the cry from participants in the PNM’s march yesterday as they passed the US Embassy around the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Embassy officials and business people from buildings along the route came out to watch the procession wind its way from downtown to the Savannah.

The march started at 1.30 pm from Woodford Square in broiling sunshine with PNM leader Keith Rowley at its head,  walking alongside MSJ leader David Abdulah, DNA head Kirk Meighoo, PNM executives and leaders of other groups. The procession began with the national anthem,  which marchers sang in front of the Hall of Justice.

Led by groups and individuals bearing the T&T flag, many carried placards denouncing the Persad-Bissessar administration over the handling of Section 34, and calling for the resignations of Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Justice Minister Herbert Volney and the PM. One placard read: “Take back Volney visa!” While there was no music, marchers walked to the beat of the odd drum here and there, accompanied by a heavy police presence.

PNMites came from Tobago via boat and plane, while  others came from all of the 41 constituencies. Point Fortin PNMites said they came with nine maxi taxis of people. Opposition officials, MPs and senators were in full attendance, many in jeans and red shirts or T-shirts. Opposition Whip Marlene McDonald and MP Colm Imbert, both clad in jeans and cap, were beaming over the turnout.

A number of elderly people, who claimed they were not with the PNM, said they had come out because they were not happy with the way the Government had handled the Section 34 issue “Somebody needs to resign,” said one middle-aged man in business wear.