By Sue-Ann Wayow
PROTESTERS were warned by police to maintain law and order while exercising their rights to do so on Tuesday.
The warning came from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in a press release issued on Monday.
The TTPS stated it was aware that several groups were planning protest action, scheduled for Tuesday at various locations across the country on the very first day that school re-opens in full for all pupils after almost two years.
The TTPS stated, “The TTPS recognises that the right to protest is fundamental to the growth of any democracy and while it is the right of persons and groups to protest, these actions must be done within the confines of the law.
“The TTPS is charged with maintaining law and order, therefore police will be monitoring these planned protests to ensure persons obey the law. In this regard, the TTPS further advises that any criminal laws broken during planned protest activity will be treated with the full sanction and brunt of the law.”
The Opposition United National Congress (UNC) planned several protest actions across the country especially against the increased fuel prices that come into effect from Tuesday.
In Tunapuna, Opposition Senator David Nakhid led an early morning protest labelling Trinidad and Tobago as one of the worst countries in the world in terms of cost of living and quality of life.
Down in Debe, UNC Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal led his protest also against the rising cost of fuel prices.
Speaking to the media he said, “We are calling on the Prime Minister to immediately reduce the price of fuel, to withdraw the fuel increase. That is a draconian measure that takes effect from today.”
And the Trinidad and Tobago Taxi-Drivers Network also planned a protest nationwide calling on all drivers to stay off the road on Tuesday.
On April 8, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced the increase in fuel prices and kerosene while the price of cooking gas remained the same.
“It must be emphasised that these market price adjustments will still require a government subsidy of approximately $840 million in 2022 or half the total cost of the true market prices of fuel,” the minister said then.
Following his announcement in Parliament, there have been several calls by the Opposition and the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) to have the decision reversed.
From Sunday evening, there were long lines at gas stations as drivers tried to fill up their tanks as much as possible before Tuesday.
Some also said they would be storing additional gas in designated containers to avoid paying the higher cost at least for a short period.
The new prices are now:
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Premium increases by $1 to $6.75 per litre;
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Super increases by $1 to $5.97 per litre;
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Diesel increases by $0.50 to $3.91 per litre; and
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Kerosene will cost $3.50 per litre.
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