Marlene McDonald, PNM’s Port-of-Spain South MP, had to “bouff” two protestors who tried to block her way into the capital yesterday but she says some people in her constituency just want someone to listen to them.
McDonald spoke the situation yesterday after she arrived at her Piccadilly Street constituency office in Port-of-Spain.
At the time, protests against last weekend’s killing of three Morvant men had been taking place all around the capital and in areas from Arima to Carenage and Maracas as well as the southern Corinth hills.
McDonald said she took almost three hours to get from her St Joseph home to her office
“It normally takes about 15 minutes on the Priority Bus Route,” she said.
“I was coming through the back road when the car was blocked by two young girls. One of them said not to let me pass but I stuck my head out the window and the other one recognised me. I started to quarrel with them.
“I said, ‘ Is not you who always coming for hampers at my constituency office?’ They apologised and admitted it was them. Then they said ‘Leh Miss Marlene pass.’ I’m not afraid of the people in my area.
“As someone born and bred in the area and representing them for 13 years I think they know me and listen to what I stand for. I’m not going to support violence but let’s dialogue.”
Commenting on yesterday’s chaos, she said: “What happened was really out of place. We need to have a better relationship and association with the people. I’m the one they see morning, noon and night. Not all of them are violent or criminal. People need to feel there is someone who can come and talk to them.
Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds said: “I say to my constituents keep well and safe. Speak to your brothers, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends. Ask them to exercise restraint and don’t allow themselves to be used by anyone for purposes that aren’t for their interest.’’ ↔—Gail Alexander