rishard.khan@guardian.co.tt
Members of the Amalgamated Worker’s Union (AWU) yesterday criticised the Port-of-Spain City Corporation for spending $140,000 on a Christmas tree. The union said the expenditure was evidence of mismanagement of funds at a time when some 1,200 workers aren’t being paid or given the tools to perform their jobs.
During a protest by Corporation workers in front City Hall yesterday, AWU president Michael Prentice said they are not being provided with protective equipment, tools and toiletries and are faced with horrible working conditions.
“Is it that putting up a Christmas tree is more important than fuel? Is it that putting up a Christmas tree more important than paying workers when they work?” he asked.
Prentice, who accused the Corporation of misspending funds, added: “Those two wreckers have been purchased more than three years and rottening down (sic) in the Transport Division. While those wreckers are rottening, the Port-of-Spain Corporation renting wreckers in excess of $200,000 a month,” he said.
He said garbage compactors have not been cleaned in years and this prevents the workers from safely and effectively performing their duties.
“Buying 1,000 water tanks for your burgesses . . . is it you’re telling me that is more important than the worker’s protective gears?” Prentice asked. “Is it you’re telling me that is more important than ensuring the health and safety of the workers are not compromised?’’
Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez could not be reached for comment yesterday, but in an interview on December 30, he defended the $140,000 35-foot Christmas tree as an “investment” for the city.
“It’s an investment for the city, not only in terms of spreading Christmas light and joy but also since this frame and decor can be used over the next few years again. We only have to pay to erect it and take it down after, so future costs will be less than $140,000,” he said.
