OWTU demands apology from Moonilal, John for destruction of farm lands

The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) has condemned the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for its destruction of farm lands in D’Abadie and Chaguanas.

In a media release Wednesday OWTU president Ancel Roget reminded the Government about its commitment to protect farmers, noting that the People Partnership’s manifesto made food production and food security a first priority towards national development.

Roget said the HDC’s actions “demonstrated the highest level of disrespect for our working farmers and a callous disregard for our own food production.”

He called on Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal to explain his policy of using arable land for housing and also demanded that Moonilal reveal who gave the instructions to bulldoze the crops.

Roget stated that Moonilal must be held accountable and demanded that the minister apologise to all affected. Roget said the OTWU also wants an apology for the farmers from HDC boss Jearlean John.

The union is also asking for "full and adequate compensation, land tenure for farmers and the completion of the Land-Use and Land Development Policy."