I admire him no more

THE EDITOR: Previously, I admired the styles of two politicians, Basdeo Panday, for his wit, and Dr Keith Rowley, for his research.

Unfortunately, the lack of research in dealing with Petrotrin has caused me to overturn my admiration for Rowley’s style.

I am disappointed for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the Memorandum of Agreement between the OWTU and Petrotrin’s board was totally disregarded by the Cabinet, while a critical decision was shared with the nation after consultation with the board alone, showing poor industrial relations practices.

Secondly, untruths and innuendoes by Petrotrin were used to make the major decision to terminate the services of 4,700 workers.

Thirdly, the destabilisation of the future plans of these workers, especially those aged 25-49, directly, and service contract workers and small entrepreneurs, indirectly. Basically, everyone living and conducting business south of the Naparima/Mayaro Road will be impacted.

Fourthly, the public disclosure of inflated figures, effectively making targets of all ex-Petrotrin workers for would-be criminals. Being a target will also apply to the casual and temporary workers whose retrenchment packages were incorrectly calculated and those 600 workers who were inhumanely told that they were deserving of nothing, even though the public was told that all Petrotrin workers would be handsomely rewarded.

I cannot help expressing my utter disappointment that 4,700 of us were terminated as a result of a continuing public relations stunt.

Unfortunately, we have returned to the colonial times when we are not equipped to chart our own destiny.

Now that I am an ex-Petrotrin worker, I will observe the protocol of a private citizen.

EVERARD BAPTISTE via e-mail