Panday joins Ramesh in anti-smelter march

Joining the eight-day march which entered its third day yesterday from Three Hands Junction, La Brea, Panday urged protesters not to give up the fight against oppression.

Addressing the protesters at Avocat Junction, Panday, who was accompanied by his wife Oma, said, “This march is a protest of tremendous significance. It is a demonstration against oppression by the UNC against the People’s National Movement (PNM) and we must unite along all lines to win the battle.”

The former UNC chairman said that the time had come for confrontation after the residents’ concerns had fallen on deaf ears.

Panday said, “The people of Chatham/Cedros have a right to protect themselves and their children after Government has turned a deaf ear to their plights and concerns. No government can stand up against the will of the people. We have to unite, because this is a march for the freedom of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Also lending support to the protesters were UNC Senator Wade Mark and Dr Tim Gopeesingh.

Mark told the protesters that if any country is to be developed, citizens must have a voice in the effective process.

Mark said, “The struggle we have embarked on is a worthwhile struggle. The people of Chatham/Cedros are saying that they prefer agriculture than an aluminium smelter plant. Prime Minister Patrick Manning why are you ignoring the cries of the people? These are the same people you turn to during when the election bell is rung.”

Former attorney general Ramesh Maharaj in his address urged the protesters not to be discouraged by the small number of supporters. He said the important factor was the message being sent by the march.

Commending president of the Protection Group, Fitzroy Beache, for the stand he has taken, Maharaj said that Manning had a responsibility to listen to the concerns of the people. He said the march was aimed at saving the lives of the children of the nation.

The fourth leg of the march kicks off today at 7 am at Avocat Junction, to Penal.