(Trinidad Guardian) With the United Nations Food Agency predicting a further 22 per cent rise in food prices in the coming months, hundreds of women staged protests under the watch of UNC activists as they jointly called on the Government to do more to boost local food production.
Using spoons to beat empty pots, the activists marched down the SS Erin Road wearing black as they chanted “Rowley must go!” Bongo drummers beat a rhythmic tune as the activist danced on the street under the watch of the police.
Public relations officer of the UNC’s Women’s Arm Marisa Ramlogan said Dr Rowley was clueless about addressing the socio-economic conditions in the country. Ramlogan said that families are in despair with news of an impending gas hike, rising unemployment and an increase in the cost of living.
“People’s pots and pans are empty. They have no food, and this Prime Minister only raising taxes to cripple poor people,” Ramlogan said.
Protesters came from various parts of the country to participate in the demonstration.
Cherylann Pamphile of Wallerfield said farmers were suffering because of rising feed and fertiliser costs.
“This Government has not addressed the issue of praedial larceny. That unit has no resources, no vehicle, so the police cannot help farmers. Feed cost is high. Fertiliser cost is high so it is no wonder market produce is costly,” Pamphile said.
Another protester Dianne Bishop said crime was on the increase with rising unemployment and poverty.
“When you have no job, you have hungry children…When a father wakes up and sees there is no food, what do you expect? Crime…” she shouted.
She noted that the Government has reduced social grants.
“There are disabled children who don’t get disability grants anymore. Their parents cannot afford to buy food,” Bishop said.
Siparia councillor Ramona Victor carried a pot with a bag of flour and tinned foods.
“What they want us to do? Riot? This Prime Minister has to go. People are starving. This is what some people have to eat. They cannot afford to buy food,” she said.
The wives of a few former Caroni workers came with their placards to protest saying they wanted UNC Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to meet with them.
They stood on the periphery of the UNC gathering, holding placards, one of which read, “Kamla don’t care.”
“We are on our own. We came here today to speak to Kamla because it’s 19 years we waiting for our land. Our children are renting, our families are without their own home. We cannot go and ask nobody besides Kamla. We want a voice so that ex-Caroni workers can get their lands,” Christine Phagoo said.
A supporter of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Tyrone Clarke of Lachoos Road made his own placard which read “Rowley Will Stay” when he saw the UNC protests.
“The Prime Minister doing his best and they come out here to protest,” Clarke said.
Other UNC MPs include Davendranath Tancoo, Jearlene John, David Lee, Khadijah Ameen, members of the Penal/Debe and Couva Tabaquite/Talparo regional corporations including Dr Allen Sammy and Henry Awong, were involved in the protest.
