UNC hits smelter ‘disdain’

The absentees were previously criticised by JSC chairman, Independent Senator Mary King.

A UNC statement yesterday accused the PNM Government and its “politically-appointed directors of State Boards” of arrogance and abuse of power in how they treated the JSC. The UNC said Wednesday’s absences without explanation were the lowest ebb reached by persons associated with the Government who generally treat the JSCs poorly.

“The widespread absence amounted to a gross disrespect and disdain for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” the party said.

The UNC lambasted the absent trio — Natural Gas Task Force chairman Ken Julien, National Energy Corporation (NEC) president Prakash Saith, and NEC chairman, Keith Awong.

The UNC related their absence to the ongoing silence to two issues — the smelters’ impact on our gas reserves, and whether gas will be sold cheaper to Alcoa and Alutrint than to existing industries.

“The PNM government stands accused of managing the country’s affairs in a closed shop manner, without transparency and with absolute and malicious disregard for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” the party said.

The UNC demands answers now, said the statement.