Failed!
That was the reaction to calls for public transport operators to “boycott” work yesterday due to the partial hike in fuel prices that began at midnight.
And the Opposition United National Congress’ “Enough is Enough” protests against the issue, which were planned in 27 areas, were dispersed by the T&T Police Service due to lack of police permission.
Government’s recently announced $1 fuel price hike on Premium and Super gasoline and 50 cents on diesel came into effective yesterday—the same day schools reopened for the first full term in in-person classes in two years.
Adjustments are due to higher oil prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This would have hiked the fuel subsidy cost in T&T to $1.47 billion without adjustment.
Objection against the price hike had increased when the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) assisted in organising certain transport stakeholders into a National Transportation Association which sought talks with Government on their issues and the price hike.
PEP threatened the deadline for the fuel price hike would be met with resistance if Government refused consultation and if the gas hike was given the green light without the NTA’s input, “transport operations could grind to a halt.” PEP confirmed yesterday there was no response to this.
A voice note by Adrian Acosta, president of the T&T Taxi Drivers’ Network, had also called for people to stay home yesterday and send Government a message, “Enough is Enough.”
But a round trip from St James (north) to La Romain (south) and back yesterday between early morning to 1 pm, confirmed maxis, taxis and trucks were working and drivers in various locations dismissed “boycott” talk.
“Madame, I have to feed my family. When time come for politics, then I go study anything. I understand the concern but boycott ent putting food on mih table,” said an elderly (La Romain) driver at 9.55 am.
“Every Prime Minister does get blame—all dem governments,” said a Chaguanas driver.
“I came from Cocoyea Village to Port-of-Spain early. I got the usual taxi out of Cocoyea and also easily to Port-of-Spain. I’m now on my way back,” said a female passenger.
“I on my third trip. Boycott? PH drivers like me go make money!” added a St James driver at 8 am.
Port-of-Spain-San Fernando and Chaguanas taxi stands were full on Independence Square.
Princes Town drivers were hustling passengers at mid-morning off Library Corner. Brown band maxis to Point Fortin, La Brea, Fyzabad and surrounding areas were at the King’s Wharf hub
Commenting on the yesterday’s action, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning (San Fernando East MP) said, “It’s unfortunate opposition forces would have tried to use this (fuel price) as an excuse to disrupt the first day of school. Our children have been looking forward to this day for so long!
“And the opposition could do no better than to attempt to dash their dreams? Our children deserve better. Fortunately, opposition calls for disruption went mostly unheeded. I commend the people of T&T on placing our children and our country first.”
CoP Jacob: Opposition
had no permission
Early morning commuters along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway saw placard-toting United National Congress protestors lining walkovers at Couva, Carlsen Field, Munroe Road and Endeavour.
A document headed “From the Desk of Our Leader” carrying UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s name at the end, meanwhile listed protest locations from Debe Roundabout to San Juan.
The document named UNC MPs and senators heading protests in respective areas. It stated that those involved would be staff, UNC councillors, aldermen and activists in People’s National Movement-held areas.
But TTPS officers were seen at the walkovers and other places and the UNC’s protests were eventually dispersed since they didn’t have police permission.
By 9.30 am, all that was left of the walkover protests were banners secured to the rails at the walkovers. None were seen at Claxton Bay or Gasparillo.
Acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob confirmed yesterday that no applications were received for the UNC’s protest action.
Jacob said while people have the right to protest, the Summary Offences Act indicated the method to be followed to have a public meeting or march.
“Over a period we have quite willingly been approving marches and meetings for different groups but we received no applications for any protests (yesterday),” Jacob said.
Jacob said one had to be mindful that in a democratic society, there may be people who have opposing views to those protesting. As such, he said the TTPS must ensure safety and law and order for those who demonstrate, as well as others who may oppose their views.
“When you organise a meeting or march without police permission, that’s putting yourself and others at risk. So we always advise people to have that level of safety and security, adhere to the law and apply for the relevant permission so things can be done in a orderly way. To provide security for all.”
UNC leader Persad-Bissessar had complained about the “shutdown by police,” “dictatorship” and “four vanloads of police sent to shut down” the Tunapuna protest.
UNC chairman Dave Tancoo said, “UNC participated in over 27 peaceful demonstrations throughout Trinidad. There was a very heavy police presence who generally facilitated the smooth conduct of this national protest. However, it’s unfortunate some citizens were prevented by some officers from exercising their civil rights to protest against the continued insensitivity and abuse by this Government.
“Still, as prices continue increasing and citizens’ frustration continues escalating, the state can expect more protests. This latest hike in fuel prices will lead to another round of general price increases on a population not yet out of the economic hole of the pandemic ...”
UNC’s Roodal Moonilal confirmed his protest didn’t have permission, “But we assembled, we didn’t march.”