Minister: Government confident of resolution

However, Communications Workers Union (CWU) president Joseph Remy maintained that the labour movement felt disrespected on both issues. Remy warned that the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) could be defeated in the next general elections, if it repeats the mistakes made by its People’s Partnership (PP) predecessor, in disrespecting labour.

Speaking with reporters as CWU members staged a protest outside of Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre, Baptiste-Primus said a meeting between the union and Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe could take place early next week. Baptiste-Primus had given that commitment in the Senate on Tuesday.

On the suspension of labour’s involvement in NTAC, Baptiste-Primus said, “I don’t think this situation cannot be repaired.” While there will be differences in any relationship, the minister stated, “Given the larger picture and what is involved, I am quite sure that we will be able to overcome this present challenge.” Remy later reiterated to reporters that the CWU was never consulted on the dissolution of the TDC.

Calling for Cudjoe’s resignation but noting only Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley could remove her from her post, Remy said Government committed a breach by not meeting with the CWU as the recognised trade union for TDC employees before deciding to dissolve the company.

Claiming this move could be to facilitate the construction of a Sandals resort in Tobago, Remy said the union was not opposed to anything to benefit Tobago. On NTAC, Remy said labour will not return to that body, “until and unless” Government does certain things. “We are not going to go to the negotiating table with a gun to our head,” Remy declared.

“Cosmeticism, mamaguy and hypocrisy, that is how I would describe it,” he added. In the House of Representatives, Acting Leader of Government Business Terrence Deyalsingh said Finance Minister Colm Imbert will bring a note to Cabinet for the winding up of the company within 90 days. Deyalsingh said the TDC’s current staff complement of 114 persons, includes 101 monthly paid and 13 fortnightly paid workers.

In a statement yesterday, the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce expressed concern that new tourism entity will not be formed in the immediate future, once the TDC is dissolved.

Calling for this matter to be speedily resolved and its willingness to play a role in that resolution, the Chamber said, “Far too much is at stake, given Tobago’s declining position as the preferred destination for travellers.”