Rahael pleased with Caroni VSEP ruling

AGRICULTURE MINISTER John Rahael ex-pressed satisfaction with yesterday’s ruling of the Industrial Court on the Caroni (1975) Limited VSEP and declared it was now time to ensure the interests of Caroni’s workers and the sugar industry are safeguarded. In yesterday’s ruling, Caroni and the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union (ATSGWTU) agreed upon August 15 as the date upon which the VSEP would be accepted by Caroni’s daily paid workers and that details be worked out to regarding land distribution for agriculture, housing, small and medium size agro-business. The ruling also suggested that Caroni daily-paid workers who accept VSEP be given first priority to purchase field equipment. Rahael said he was very pleased with the court’s ruling and it was now up to Caroni and the ATSGWTU to work out effective mechanisms to make it work. He advised ATSGWTU President-General Rudranath Indarsingh not to engage in empty rhetoric. “Let’s move on in the interest of the workers and the sugar industry,” the minister said.