By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO protest groups, the Opposition and ex-Caroni workers clashed on Sunday while placarding in Chaguanas.
The Opposition was calling for justice for the four divers who died in the Paria tragedy and the ex-Caroni workers were protesting for their outstanding lands, feeling neglected by the Opposition.
The Opposition’s protest action was organised by the United National Congress (UNC) Women’s Arm and led by Members of Parliament Vandana Mohit and Khadija Ameen.
The ex-Caroni workers were led by industrial actionist Davica Thomas.
The Opposition started the first protest along the Divali Nagar site. MP for Couva South, Rudranath Indarsingh was invited to speak and while he began sleeping, the other group moved up carrying placards with messages such as “Kamla are you sleeping? Wake up!!” and “No support from UNC Women’s Arm for Caroni workers.”
While that was going on, Ameen and Thomas started a heated interaction.
Ameen called on Thomas to protest against Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of whom the UNC has blamed all of the nation’s ill, but Thomas stated that her group has already protested against the Prime Minister.
Ameen then told Thomas to go home and Thomas asked if that meant the Opposition did not care about the ex-Caroni workers.
“We do, but there is a time and place,” Ameen replied.
The two groups soon after started a brawl and some protesters began grabbing placards they did not agree with, tearing them down and throwing them in the ground.
With the media present, each group attempted to get their attention.
There was a quick intervention by police officers and the Opposition continued their walk while the officers spoke to the ex-Caroni workers.
Thomas admitted the group felt ignored by the Opposition.
She described the behaviour by Ameen and the other UNC supporters as “appalling,” adding that they forget the true intent of their protest.
