Ex-Caroni workers bewildered
THE EDITOR: The decision by Government to charge former workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd who accepted VSEP the sum of $80,000 for housing lots, has left these retrenched employees shocked and bewildered. This cost was never a part of the VSEP contract as the housing plot was offered in acknowledgement of the weak severance package as per Panday Union agreement. This was made clear by former Agriculture Minister John Rahael at a meeting inside Caroni compound. To come at this stage to charge poor peasants such a huge sum is a betrayal of the VSEP contract. It also flies in the face of the cliche that the "PNM cares." The PNM cares only for its own as recipients of NHA land pay only $25,000 inclusive of infrastructure cost. Senator Christine Sahadeo should know that there will be a political cost to the PNM which has been benefiting from crossover support from the UNC, due to disenchantment with Basdeo Panday. Once he goes the PNM is doomed. Sugar workers are therefore appealing to UNC leader Winston Dookeran to intervene on this matter urgently. SUSAN SINGH California
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"Ex-Caroni workers bewildered"