Hauliers in red flag crime protest

The association yesterday said, "Our workers are at risk because of the nature of our jobs, their families are at risk because the fathers and husbands are out at late hours, and recently one of our members, a young and upcoming businessman, was a victim of kidnapping." The statement from the association revealed that at a recent meeting it was unanimously decided that "we cannot function with the fear of our families’ and workers’ safety, and we must show our unhappiness with the present crime situation."

As a mark of protest, the hauliers said they will fly red flags on their vehicles next Wednesday and Thursday and drive with their vehicle lights on. They are yet to decide if they will withdraw their transportation services on Monday, November 7.

Of their intended action, the hauliers said, "This sacrifice, we hope, will reflect the feeling we have for our society, and in no way should be conceived to be of any political or financial purpose."

They add that the "real problem is not the effect on business and trade, but the deterioration of the freedom of our people, to live and enjoy life in a safe environment."

The association said it hopes that as a body which carries 90 percent of the cargo to and from the ports of this country, it can in some small way influence the people in power to take heed of the present atmosphere in the country.

It said with its protest, though short, "We hope we will set the pace for others to follow."