Blows fly in confrontation between rival PSA groups

Rival factions of the Public Services Association (PSA) traded blows Thursday at the association's headquarters on Abercromby street, Port of Spain.

Media reports say the trouble started when several suspended members of the PSA attempted to storm the building where the executive was meeting.

The suspended members confronted the others on the executive, including PSA president Watson Duke, and scuffles broke out in the presence of the media. Duke and one PSA member engaged in a shouting match, media reports said, noting that Duke and other executive members had to retreat through a back exit.

Duke had earlier failed to end the meeting when members pointed out that it was unconstitutional to do so.

Police and soldiers also intervened after they were told that some Muslimeen member had gone to the building. It turned out that they were part of Duke's security team. Police broke up a scuffle between PSA members.

The remaining members elected an interim chairman to continue the meeting at which they passed several resolutions including one to reinstate the suspended members.

The meeting also passed a resolution to have Duke appear before the PSA general council to answer numerous allegations of impropriety made against him. That meeting is scheduled or August 26.

The interim chairman, Ricky Cedeno, told reporters, "In accordance with our constitution, he (Duke) will be provided with written statements of all of the allegations that have been made and he will be afforded every opportunity to defend himself at that meeting."

Cedeno added, "Once that has been done, a properly constituted general council would examine these things and make a decision."

He also spoke of what may happen if Duke and others fail to appear before the general council.

"The actions that could be taken are clearly outlined in our constitution and we will be guided by that," Cedeno said.

"It could be a warning, reprimand or caution, suspension of membership, expulsion from membership, suspension from any office in the association or section, removal from office and a ban from holding office in the association," he added.

Cedeno also said Duke is entitled to take the matter up in a court of law.