Bad roads, unemployment lead to protest

NALINEE SEELAL

ANGRY demonstrators at Blake Avenue, Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande yesterday blocked the Eastern Main Road near Damarie Hill in protest over what they described as worsening road conditions and the inability of young people to gain employment.

Close to 120 residents from a squatting settlement at Blake Avenue blocked the road with debris while others burnt tyres, making access impossible.

Eastern Division Police under ASP Bernard Etienne, Insp Ken Lutchman, Sgt Vikash Ramkissoon, Cpl Randolph Castillo and others arrived shortly after 6 am. Officers sought the assistance of Fire Services and chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Terry Rondon.

Fire Services and borough corporation staff cleared the road while Rondon held an impromptu meeting and later toured the squatting community.

Afterwards he told residents their concerns would be addressed by the corporation and promised to speak with MP for the area Glenda Jennings-Smith.

Residents agreed not to block the road or burn tyres again if their concerns were addressed and their problems rectified.

Yesterday police warned them they could be charged with littering and obstructing the road, but they said while they did not want to break the law, it was their only recourse to get the authorities to listen to their concerns.

They said they have been visiting their MP’s office to meet with her to discuss their concerns but were unsuccessful. They described her as a poor representative but believed Rondon will assist them. Newsday called the mobile phone of MP Jennings-Smith but she did not answer.