Anti-smelter activists 'arrive'

Radhica Sookraj
Published: 1 Jun 2009
http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/06/01/anti-smelter-activists-arrive

Anti-smelter activists re-enacted the arrival of indentured immigrants at Claxton Bay jetty yesterday, claiming ownership of the vast mangroves, seabed and surrounding vegetation. Saying their forefathers had claimed T&T as their homeland, the activists said the mangroves and fishing stocks belonged to them, and should not be taken away by Government to facilitate any industrial project that would pollute the wetlands.

President of Claxton Bay Fishing Association and head of the United Fisherfolk, Kishore Boodram, said residents and fishermen revived Indian Arrival Day celebrations at the jetty because of the ongoing battle with the National Energy Corporation to stop construction of a port extension and Essar Steel plant. Boodram said the existing steel plant in Trinidad was affected by the economic downturn. "If that plant is not doing well, then why are they even considering putting another steel plant here. We will not allow this at all." He also explained that destruction of the sea grass and nesting grounds would create economic losses for hundreds of fishermen on the western coasts.

Boodram said since the struggle started, residents and fishermen were engaged in prayer and fasting to stop the project. He also said legal options were also discussed as a final resort to protect the mangroves. During the Indian Arrival Day re-enactment, fishermen pulled huge banners across their boats which read: "Save the Mangroves." University of the West Indies lecturer, Wayne Kublalsingh, said the “arrival” portrayed the symbolic awareness of the people with regards to the anti-smelter fight.