Police, TT gov't won't intimidate us: OWTU

The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) has accused acting Police Commissioner James Philbert of acting according to the dictates of Government by threatening more arrests of people who demonstrated outside the Red House last week.

And the union stated in a news release that it would not be intimidated by Philbert or Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

The union’s general secretary, David Abdulah, is the only person arrested during the march. He faces a charge of obstruction and is due to return to court on January 13 to answer the charge.

The news release, signed by OWTU's Chief Education and Research Officer, Ozzi Warwick, said, "Philbert and the Government need to be reminded that the freedom we enjoy came as a result of many bitter struggles. We will not be threatened! We will not be intimidated."

The release said it views Philbert's statement at a news conference this week as "inconsistent, contradictory, bias and without merit".

Philbert did an about face at the media conference. He had initially said he felt the police action may have been excessive but changed his tune and said police showed restraint and was "generous".

He said the matter is not closed and suggested that there could be more arrests.

Read the story: It's not over; DPP to get file on Red House demonstration"
Related: Letter: Riot squad provoked picketing fracas
Also read: Editorial: No justification for Friday's police brutality

The union views the threat of pressing more charges and arresting more protesters as a direct and blatant attack on the democracy and freedom of this country. These threats will not be taken lightly nor will we forget the actions of the police meted out to law abiding citizens."

Warwick charged that Philbert’s "turnaround must have been the result of political directive handed down and which he is compelled to follow."

He insisted that Abdullah did not break any laws and that his arrest was a provocation with "no reason or basis."

The union is demanding that Philbert make public the report of the investigation into the illegal gathering in Woodford Square on September 12, 2008, which was led by the Prime Minister.

"It seems as though there is one law for the PNM and another law for the rest of the population, particularly those who oppose them," it said.