Govt wants Caroni books

Facing the worst sugar harvest in recent memory, management executives at Caroni (1975) Limited have once again been advised to submit weekly financial statements to the Government.

In a media release, the company, in affirming the request by Government, stated that the request formed part of its normal operating procedure as a State-owned company. “Caroni (1975) Limited, like all other state enterprises is required to adhere to specific procedures and guidelines from the Government,” the release stated. The company also acknowledged holding conciliatory discussions with the All Trinidad Sugar & General Workers Trade Union, (ATS&GWTU), in an effort to resolve the dispute concerning Government’s VSEP package for daily-paid sugar workers. The company stated the matter was being conducted “under the aegis of the Industrial Court.”

Meanwhile ATS&GWTU general secretary, Pooran Rattan, said the union was alarmed that almost two weeks after a Ministerial announcement that $500m had been approved by Cabinet to pay wages and salaries, the financial approval had only been signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance yesterday. He said workers had not been paid for the past three weeks and hoped the money would cover all outstanding arrears owed to workers. However, Rattan said the late payment would mean late repayment of loans by workers with additional charges being imposed by financial institutions. He wondered who would foot the additional expenses heaped on workers. Rattan also acknowledged conciliatory discussions with Caroni, but declined to give details on the ongoing talks. He, however, commended the union’s membership for their “strong level of discipline and commitment” during the “ongoing struggle.”