By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE proposed $1 million payout to the families of the four divers who died in the Paria/LMCS tragedy has been called “disgusting” by Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) political leader Phillip Edward Alexander.
Speaking to the media on Friday following his nomination for Port of Spain North St Ann’s West said he first broke the situation to the public back in February 2022 but never politicised the tragedy.
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He lambasted Prime Minister Stuart Young for the offer that was made less than one month before the April 28 General Election date.
Alexander said, “Yesterday he (Young) showed that there is no low that is too low for them. He has offered to throw a bone to people who have been suffering for years, the families of the divers. I never politicised it even though all of you know, I brought it to the public’s attention.
“I never used it as a political issue but he has made it one. Christopher Boodram the rest of the families, they are hurt. He has re-bullied them with that disgusting ex-gratia payment while dragging them through the courts fighting for some kind of relief. ”
Alexander, speaking briefly about the PEP’s coalition with the United National Congress (UNC) said, “The most important thing is to get Kamla Persad-Bissessar elected as the next prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.”
He also said he fully supported her choice of candidates to represent the Coalition of Interests.
Alexander said, “She is right and ready for the job and I am here to support her.”
Down in Point Fortin, Ernesto Kesar, a member of the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) contesting under the UNC led Coalition of Interests told the population that sentiments do not win votes.
He said for the first time since 2010, there was a level of respect for persons wearing UNC jerseys, in what is deemed a PNM stronghold.
Kesar was flanked by OTWU President General Ancel Roget, UNC candidate for Fyzabad Dave Tancoo and Clyde Elder candidate for La Brea under the coalition.
