Safe beaches for Easter

Trinidad and Tobago’s lifeguards came out smiling after three hours of deliberations yesterday between the CPO’s office and NUGFW president-general Robert Guissepi. Having reached agreement, they will work the beaches over the Easter weekend After months of protesting for an increase in wages and better working conditions, the lifeguards and the CPO were able to reach a last minute compromise. “Yes, we solved it and we managed to structure the lifeguards as grades I, II, instead of IV or V,” Guissepi told Newsday.

He said the lifeguards were now classified as firefighters, but they will not get the $260 a day salary they were striving for. “We were able to implement the dates back to 2003 and 2004.  We have closed the gap, and we will satisfy the public,” he said. Guiseppi said the lifeguards agreed that they will be out for the Easter holidays, but he was disappointed with the Minister of Tourism for introducing scab labour. “What the minister was doing was an injustice to the lifeguards, especially after yesterday, ” he said. Two days ago, lifeguards saved three persons whose boat had capsized in Tobago. Guissepi congratulated the lifeguards as heroes, and said he was proud of their fight. Augustus Sylvester, spokesperson for the lifeguards, said he was not 100 percent satisfied but was happy with getting the CPO to shift from her previous stand.

The Personnel Department office of the Chief Personnel Officer, issued a media statement that advised of the  amicable and intense discussions, after which an agreement had been reached regarding the lifeguards with their placement and grading structure. The new wage rates for daily rated workers as follows: Position of Patrol Captain grade 1 will be $200 per day effective 22/07/2004 and $234 per day effective 1/11/2004. Community Education Officer, grade 2, —  $185 per day effective 22/07/2003, and $213 per day effective 1/11/2004. Lifeguard Instructor, grade 2, will receive effective 22/07/2003 $185 per day and effective from 1/11/2004 $213 per day.
 
Lifeguards I/II effective 1/11/2003 will receive $163/$173 and effective 22/07/2003 $163/$173 per day and effective 1/11/2004 will receive $182/$196 per day. Requirements for entry for the positions at Level 1 are a primary School Leaving Certificate or having three years Secondary School education with the supplement of the Award of Merit Certificate. Two years practical experience in protection and rescue of sea bathers/beach users through an approved course, and necessary training will be provided by the Ministry of Tourism. Underwater training from a recognised institution, and Motor Launch Captain’s Licence. Level I to Level II will be automatic once a worker has required these additional requirements.