Hundreds march for safe workplace

The march began at Piccadilly Street, East Dry River, and moved across Park Street to the SWWTU Hall on Wrightson Road.

Seventeen persons have died for the year while they were on duty, and a number of protesters related their stories for Newsday yesterday. Victim Sanjeev Rampersad’s father, Horace Rampersad, cried out, "They have forgotten Sanjeev Rampersad."

Sanjeev was a tally clerk at the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago who was killed on duty by a crane that cut him in half. Sanjeev left a six-month-old daughter, Zephra, at the time of the accident. Horace said his family has not been compensated for the accident to date. "No one came to enquire of my family or his daughter. I came out here to show support for other workers. Life is precious," he said. Cosmos Brewster, father of Wayne Caldera who was killed in an explosion aboard the MV Tradewinds Sunrise on June 22, was a vocal participant at the march. Brewster said, "I am hoping that the Government will pass the act. Yes my son is gone, but I hope it will assist the other workers." Harry Hamlett, father of Anthony Hamlett, who also died on the MV Tradewinds Sunrise, said, "I am hoping the Government will implement the act and protect other families. I am hoping there will not be any more accidents. And safety measures will be put in place." Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union president Michael Annisette stated: "We are hoping that the Government will heed the call of the working masses without delay and discuss the changes after." Union bosses were also out in their numbers and were for once united in their attempts to achieve an objective — having the OSHA proclaimed.

National Union of Government and Federated Workers president Robert Giuseppi noted, "We are hoping for something positive. The march will highlight our convictions and make it clear what is more beneficial in the future for workers with protection."

Banking Insurance and General Workers Union president Vincent Cabrera said, "It is a struggle to have it implemented and we are giving a warning to continue on a programme. I will float the idea of a one-day work stoppage in the country for us to be united." Also at the march was United National Congress chairman Wade Mark, who said, "I am showing my solidarity with the workers and trade unions. I was at the debate in Parliament and as a trade union leader I am hoping for the Government to implement the act. A motion has been placed by me to debate on the delay of the Government with the OSHA Act."

All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union president, Rudy Indarsingh, noted that, "We are fulfilling our responsibility to put pressure on the Government. It is not on Cabinet to decide on the law of Trinidad and Tobago and make a mockery of Parliament. The act went through both Houses and was assented to by the President. The Government is not prepared to accept it, and this is a dangerous signal. They can do it with any legislation leading to anarchy and chaos in this country."