Public Service Association President Watson Duke has defended his use of a racial slur when calling on members of the public not to support the People's National Movement in the upcoming local government election.
Speaking on a morning talk show on Power 102, he only apologised to those who misunderstood what he meant when using the term.
"The only regret I have is that the word, use of the word is being misunderstood by a number of voters and maybe a few supporters because the word has been misused and abused, " said Duke, " but ni... (word called) is a Latin word that literally means black. However, while the word continues with the same pronunciation the spelling change over time and the meaning change over time it actually turns out to be a very derogatory word eventually for a great part of our history to put down black people."
However, Duke said the word has held a different connotation recently.
"But currently it is used as a term of endearment among black people. When the word was used yesterday, it was used as part of my oratory skills, " he said.
When asked if he felt it was appropriate to use the word on Monday, Duke said based on the treatment of public servants it was one of the ways to get his message across.
He once again repeated his concern that despite announcements of salary increases for On The Job Trainees, CEPEP and URP workers and the minimum wage, public servants saw no increase for six years.
"What about the public servants? They continue to leave us out. They PNM goes on the radio and say they are lazy they are good for nothing. The PNM continues to beat us with the whips on their back, " said Duke, "You tell me I don't feel like a ni (word called)? I feel like a ni (word called). I feel like a man with a whip upon my back. I feel oppressed!"
Meanwhile, the PNM has lashed out at Duke for what it calls his "offensive outburst', saying that it came immediately after a recent meeting between him and UNC officials and sympathizers at a Port-of-Spain restaurant.
In a statement, the PNM said that it and the rest of "our decent nation" are "truly disgusted" by what Duke said, "whilst pretending to be representing Public Servants, as he self-servingly tries to assist the UNC in the upcoming Local Government elections."
The PNM adds that, in a period of national, financial emergency this PNM Government paid $ 6.0 billion dollars in backpay to Public Servants in all categories. This money, promised by a previous Government, was not available, so the PNM had to borrow the funds in order to make these contracted liabilities.
The PNM is also reminding public servants that the only place of employment where workers associated with the Public Service are known to be disrespected and oppressed are at the PSA Headquarters where Duke reigns whilst denying the membership access to free and fair elections, and where employees have consistently had to resort to the Court to have their rights and benefits protected.