Fishermen give 3-week deadline

Anti-steel mill protest
Nikita Braxton South Bureau
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161452593

Monday, March 16th 2009

PROTESTERS against the construction of a steel mill in their community are giving authorities three weeks to give proper feedback on the project.

President of the Claxton Bay Fishing Association, Kishore Boodram, said yesterday they have been left in the dark over the progress of construction.

"We hope that after this rally, by the next 21 days, we would know what is taking place," Boodram, who is also the president of the United Fisher Folk, said.

Last Tuesday, soil tests were conducted roadside on the Southern Main Road (SMR), near Pranz Gardens, the village nearest Essar Steel Caribbean's proposed project site, as preparation work began on an overpass. The overpass is to be used by motorists and the roadway beneath will be used as a direct link between the Claxton Bay port and proposed steel complex.

Boodram said they were not consulted prior to these works. He fears hundreds of lives would be affected by the steel mill, including the fishermen.

"They would take our fishing port and drive away the fish," Boodram said.

Independent physicist, Peter Vine, also made reference to a similar project being done in La Brea and restrictions placed on the fishermen in that area. He predicted the fishermen at Claxton Bay would face the same fate and would be banned from the Claxton Bay port.

Boodram, a devout Hindu, said the rally was set to coincide with yesterday's celebration of the Hindu festival of colours or Phagwa. He described the rally from Claxton Bay through central Trinidad as a religious protest. Several residents joined, holding flags against the construction of the steel mill.

The event ended at Peter's Field, where Boodram met other fishermen and discussed issues affecting them.