President cannot walk the talk

THE EDITOR: Both Mr Subash Ramkhalawan and Pundit Ramesh Tewarie made an impassioned plea in the presence of President George Richards during celebrations marking the anniversary of the Edinburgh Temple on behalf of Caroni workers on Wednesday night (20.8.03).

But to what avail. First, these two respected gentlemen spoke out eight months too late. They should have made their voices heard since January. They should have joined forces with All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union in advising sugar workers not to sign the VSEP but take to the streets with the union to influence the PNM not to implement that destructive policy decision. Why so late, Mr Ramkhalawan and Pundit Tewarie? Secondly, President Richards is a ceremonial President with no powers to force Prime Minister Manning to change his mind. President Richards can talk. He cannot walk the talk. And, most important, he is Manning’s man in President’s House! Therefore gallerying before him is for the media. It will not help the sugar workers. Joining the union in solidarity marches and public demonstrations way back in December/January would have been more worthwhile and more serious. I am surprised that Mayor Surujattan Rambachan was so impressed with both gentlemen that he even had Mr Ramkhalawan making an intervention on his radio morning programme today. Indeed, indeed! And some have the gall to say that Basdeo Panday did nothing for sugar workers and even blame him for the PNM sin of closing down the industry? Lord, those who have eyes to see, pray let them see!

HORACE MORRISON
Poole