PSA president slammed for attacking Syrian community

PUBLIC SERVICES Association (PSA) president Jennifer Baptiste-Primus must apologise to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago for “inflammatory and irresponsible” statements she made about Health Minister John Rahael at this year’s Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad. This was the call issued yesterday by some of Baptiste-Primus’ fellow signatories to the Principles of Fairness, created last year as a means of promoting fairness and equality throughout all segments of the population. Baptiste-Primus blamed Rahael for the closure of pharmaceutical services at the San Fernando General Hospital (those services are now operational), describing him as “ah Syrian” and claiming that “Syrians an dem feel they ruling this town.” TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce president Christian Mouttet described Baptiste-Primus’ utterances as “shocking and offensive” and called upon her to withdraw them.

Mouttet said any issues that the PSA had with the Health Minister should be dealt with objectively and there was no need to add race to the equation. He said such remarks should be condemned by all signatories to the Principles of Fairness. Also condemning Baptiste-Primus yesterday were members of the Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT), who are also signatories to the Principles of  Fairness and have had their differences with Rahael and his predecessor, Colm Imbert, on several health issues. In a letter to the PSA president, MPATT said it was appalled that Baptiste-Primus’ utterances have not “aroused the ire” of individuals and organisations “who should be socially aware, and should seek the best interest of a multi-tribal society.”

MPATT said it agreed with Rahael about poor pay packages being responsible for the shortage of pharmacists in TT and the situation at TT’s public health institutions today. However, MPATT said to solely blame the minister because of his “assumed Syrian origin  is deliberately inaccurate, mischievous and racially inflammatory.” MPATT explained  that remuneration issues for Public Service pharmacists are handled by the Chief  Personnel Officer (CPO) and the Public Sector Negotiating Committee (PSNC) “in negotiations and agreement” with the PSA, while remuneration packages for Regional Health Authority pharmacists are handled by the CPO  and the PSNC. MPATT said if remuneration for pharmacists is inadequate, “the blame must lie with the CPO, PSNC, including the Minister of Health and the PSA (especially the president, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, who has been part and parcel of it all).”

MPATT demanded that the PSA leader withdraw her comments and publicly apologise to the entire population, including the Syrian community. MPATT added that “it would be appropriate” if Baptiste-Primus resigns as PSA president. Anglican Bishop Calvin Bess said Baptiste-Primus’ remarks were offensive and called on her to withdraw them. UWI Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Bhoe Tewarie declined comment, saying the Principles of Fairness Committee would address the issue after today’s conference at the university’s St Augustine campus. However, another signatory, OWTU president general Errol McLeod, said he had no problem with what Baptiste-Primus said in Fyzabad and many people tend to hide issues behind fundamental statements. Efforts to contact Baptiste-Primus were unsuccessful.