Kublalsingh might be ready to end hunger strike

The Express newspaper reported Tuesday that Wayne Kublalsingh has agreed to conditionally accept the draft proposal submitted by the Joint Consultative Council (JCC) and the Works and Infrastructure Ministry.

In an online update the paper said Kublalsingh's conditions include clarification on whether the highway construction work will stop or continue while the JCC undertakes the independent review. He also wants a cost benefit analysis, hydrological report and social impact assessment done.

The agreement reached Monday in discussions between the JCC and works minister Emmanuel George states:

1. Nidco undertook to make available to the JCC all the relevant documentation in its possession on the project in respect of the Debe to Mon Desir segment of the highway extension
2. The JCC undertook to examine all the documentation on the project provided by Nidco and all other relevant documentation and to produce a report within 60 days from yesterday's date to Nidco for its consideration and its publication thereafter
3. Work will continue on sites of the highway released to the contractor.

The Express quoted Kublalsingh as saying that the terms of reference of the proposal should be made available to all stakeholders.

Kublalsingh told reporters he is optimistic that "once there is a good outcome which accepts our submissions, we will end this act," he said. "We expect further outcome of this process before we terminate our action here."