Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has called on the Government to hold “proper” discussions with workers at the Breakfast Shed to find a mutually beneficial solution to their dispute with the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott).
The popular Port-of-Spain eatery has remained closed this week over outstanding arrears. Udecott chairman Shankar Bidaissie told Guardian Media earlier that vendors owed close to $2 million in rent but denied that any eviction notices were issued.
In response, the vendors—represented by attorney Kenneth Munroe Browne—sent a pre-action protocol letter to Udecott, accusing the agency of unlawfully shutting their businesses and failing to honour a promise made by former prime minister Patrick Manning. They are demanding $6 million, which they say is owed to them under that arrangement.
Speaking at her Charles Street office on Wednesday, Beckles described the Breakfast Shed as part of the “fabric of T&T’s culture” and urged the Government to consider the impact on vendors, many of whom are women.
“Most of the persons selling are women, so if there’s an issue of electricity or water, this is a matter the Government should look very closely at before denying them the opportunity to continue—without proper collaboration, without proper dialogue,” she said.
Attorney Browne told Guardian Media yesterday that, as of that afternoon, he had received no response from Udecott on the vendors’ planned litigation. He welcomed Beckles’ comments, saying he hoped other public figures would also weigh in and push for dialogue.
When contacted, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said questions on the matter should be directed to Udecott or Works and Infrastructure Minister Jerlean John, who has line responsibility for the corporation. Attempts to reach both John and Bidaissie were unsuccessful up to press time.
