Activists block south highway construction; Jack calls it cheap publicity

The Highway Re-route movement took matters in its own hands Monday and staged a blockade at the site of the construction of the highway to Point Fortin.

The movement, led by Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, wants the government to divert the section of the highway from Debe to Mon Desir.

The group moved in with dozens of vehicles that were used to block the heavy equipment working on the construction site. The villagers formed a human barricade around the equipment. 

Kublalsingh told reporters he wants Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to live up to her words that the voice of the people is the voice of God. 

"She has the ultimate decision in this matter, I suggest she doesn't delay, waste more time, waste more energy. People here are getting sick, especially the old people, the mental health, it is very difficult to live in these circumstances with a Highway over your head. It is very distressing," he said.

Kublalsingh said building the Mon Desir section could hurt hundreds of people and cause flooding. He has suggested an alternative route, which he claims could even save the government money. 

Works and Infrastructure Minister Jack Warner dismissed the action, noting that it is just a temporary setback.

He said he is not impressed by Kublalsisngh's actions and suggested that the environmental activist is looking for attention.

"Mr. Kublalsingh is looking for publicity. He is playing cheap politics. I have no intention of engaging Mr. Kublalsingh in what he wants to do," Warner said. 

"Don't expect me to lift him up off the ground and put him anywhere else. He is longing for that. I am telling him now publicly that I am not giving him that platform. 

"If he wants to get publicity and he wants to play cheap politics, play it anywhere else but not with me. Therefore I have nothing to say to him. We shall do what we have to do at the appropriate time," Warner added.