MSJ supports Highway Re-route movement; waiting for PP to deal with 10 demands bby May 24

The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) issued a statement Tuesday in defence of its leader, David Abdulah, who has thrown his support with a group that wants government to change its plans for a section of the highway to Point Fortin.

The group, which is led by activist Wayne Kublalsingh and comprises about 50 people, blocked heavy equipment on the construction site last month and followed up their protest action by planting crops on the land where the highway is supposed to pass.

Planting crops to stop highway construction

The Highway re-route movement is saying the government could bypass the Debe/Mon Desir section and use an alternate route and save the homes of dozens of people and also save money. 

Last month Abdulah took the side of the protesters, which brought a rebuke from Works Minister Jack Warner who said he was disappointed that Abdulah joined the movement without consulting with the works ministry to get the facts on the matter.

On Tuesday the MSJ issued a strong endorsement of its leader's action. "The Political Leader of the MSJ Senator David Abdulah has the full support of the party in his demonstration of solidarity with the Highway Re-Route Movement. 

The Party holds the firm view that the Mon Desir/Debe extension of the Highway can be reconsidered," it said.

"Key leaders of the UNC, while in Opposition, protested against this very section of the Highway, but now are in full support of it," the MSJ claimed in its statement.

The party also took the opportunity to criticise the People's Partnership, of which it is a part. It said the partnership has failed to deliver on many promises made during the 2010 General Election camapign.

The statement added, "The MSJ...has the right to its independent position on policy issues...The MSJ also has a right to support, stand in solidarity, and give voice to social justice issues. Indeed, for those involved in struggles around social justice - the MSJ IS YOUR VOICE!"

The MSJ said its view is that the Mon Desir/Debe extension of the highway can be reconsidered and suggested that there us a feasible option that will avoid the relocation of entire communities. 

The MSJ also said it wishes to remind citizens that it is awaiting a decision on the 10 issues it has presented to the partnership for resolution by May 24. These are:

1. Settlement of negotiations in a fair and equitable manner consistent with the free collective bargaining process
2. Fair Share of state resources to communities and the equitable distribution of jobs
3. Reduced rights of land tenure and massive increase of lease rates to farmers without consultation
4. Constitution reform and local government reform; addressing state sector governance; cutting out all forms of discrimination, political victimisation, corruption, nepotism and patronage
5. Getting rid of the odious system of contract labour in the public service and state sectors
6. Privatisation especially of Petrotrin (Trinmar’s acreage) and First Citizens Bank
7. Advancing the agenda of labour law reform
8. The protection of the livelihoods of fisher folk
9. Implementing the cultural sectors’ agenda as committed to in the Manifesto
10. Establishing a policy position so as to stop the use of force by the Police Service to frustrate, intimidate and stop the legitimate and peaceful activities of civil society, including peaceful protest action by workers and the rights of the media