By Sue-Ann Wayow
ALMOST 20 years since Caroni (1975) Ltd closed its doors, ex-workers claim they are still awaiting their Voluntary Separation Employee Programme (VSEP) packages which included parcels of land.
On Monday, 97 ex-workers raised placards in front of the Caroni building at Brechin Castle, Couva.
Chanting, “We want we Caroni land now,” persons lined the streets with their placards some which read, “Millions for Carnival, millions for Faris family, settle us” and “19 years we waiting, no more waiting.”
One protestor Trevor Seecharan said, “I am here this morning because I did not get my VSEP package. I was promised a VSEP package and I did not get my VSEP package. I am here this morning to find out what is happening with my VSEP package.”
Seecharan who said he worked for Caroni for approximately 15 years complained that others were already building on their properties while others had to wait.
Business consultant and industrial relations practitioner Davica Thomas told AZPNews.com that workers were hoping to get the attention of the relevant authorities to have their VSEP packages expedited.
She said there were still 4,000 persons who have not received their land packages both residential and agricultural.
After the workers protested from 8.30 in front of the Caroni’s Head Office, they ventured along the road in front of Nutrimix along the Rivulet Road, Couva where Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley attended a ceremony for Nutrimix’s Next Generation Hatchery.
However, Thomas said official vehicles passed by at around 10 am without any acknowledgement from anyone.
The issue of land distribution to the ex-workers has been a long outstanding one since the closure of the sugar manufacturing company in August 2003.
The People’s Partnership administration began the initial distribution in 2013.
In 2020, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said the ministry has “substantially completed” the distribution of two-acre plots of agricultural land to the former workers.
He said then some 7,260 former workers were eligible for the two-acre plots adding that the ministry could not find 1,130 people.
AZPNews.com contacted Rambharat who said, “The matter falls under the Estate Management and Business Development Co Ltd (EMBD). I have asked them to check on the status of the delivery of the 441 plots.”
