By Sue-Ann Wayow

A 51-YEAR-OLD man who was one of the several workers laid off from his work when the government changed, died at his home in San Fernando.

Richard Cooper, 51, and a father of three, was laid off last month from the National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme.

He and his 45-year-old wife both worked for the past five years under the Rural Development Company.

According to his wife, she noted that after having had his employment terminated, she observed a change in her husband’s behaviour where he became more reclusive.

He was found unresponsive by his wife and son on Wednesday.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles issued a statement on Thursday offering condolences to Cooper’s family “allegedly due to the mental stress of job loss,” she stated.

Beckles said, “As political leader of the PNM, my heart goes out to the displaced citizens. As the grass grows all over the nation, so too grows the people’s frustration and sense of deep hopelessness.”

She said it was ironic that Cooper’s life was lost on World Humanitarian Day, at the same time that  Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged citizens to “Act for Humanity” advice that was not taken by her government.

Beckles said, “The UNC government has turned away from the people’s distress, offering no plan, no support, no care for their families or children. The government can help if they choose to; instead, the choice is to leave the vulnerable destitute; a travesty of unimaginable proportions, with the gravest of consequences.”

She again called on the government to help the most vulnerable in need “before more people pay the ultimate price as the government prioritises scoring cheap political points.”

“This situation has gone way too far. The fact is too many men, women and children are suffering. The PNM calls on the UNC to have a heart, and to help the displaced CEPEP, URP and Forestry workers now, before it is too late.”