Panday: PNM wasting military resources

OPPOSITION LEADER Basdeo Panday accused the ruling PNM of using Trinidad and Tobago’s armed forces against law-abiding citizens instead of criminals. Addressing the UNC’s National Assembly at Rienzi Complex, Couva, on Sunday, Panday declared that the Regiment and Coast Guard should have been used to protect fishermen in South-West Trinidad from pirates instead of intimidating striking construction workers at the Atlantic LNG (ALNG) Train Four site in Point Fortin. In the latest instance of piracy on the high seas, 21-year-old fisherman Shane Abraham was shot dead by Spanish-speaking pirates off the Cedros coast on Friday, at around 11.30 pm.

Fishermen from the area have complained about irregular Coast Guard patrols and demanded to be given guns to protect themselves. Previously, National Security Minister Martin Joseph said Government could not give the fishermen guns but steps would be taken to ensure their safety. Panday said the armed forces should not be used against workers who were exercising their legitimate rights and the UNC had everything in place to implement a minimum sectoral wage increase before it demitted office.