Photo story: We don't want highway in our community

Dozens of people staged a rally in Debe on Sunday to demand that the government change the route of the new billion-dollar highway to Point Fortin, which passes through their community.

They gathered at the Gandhi Village Recreation Ground, where they heard speeches from activists including Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, archaeologist Peter Harris, Kishore Boodram, president of the Claxton Bay Fishermen Association, and head of the Lopinot Environmental Action Foundation Marcia Guerrero.

About 200 families would have to be relocated to make way for the highway which runs from Golconda to Point Fortin. The government has made arrangements for adequate compensation to everyone affected.

Kublalsingh said people don't want their communities destroyed and said those affected are prepared to take their concerns directly to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.