La Brea group holds smelter protest as PM passes through

Vika Samuel
Wednesday, August 12th 2009

"This is not a La Brea thing, it's a national issue," were the words of Elijah Gour, member of La Brea Concerned Citizens United, when the group staged a protest on Monday evening, prompted by the visit of Prime Minister Patrick Manning to Point Fortin to address a People's National Movement meeting.

While many assembled in Point Fortin for Manning's address, members of La Brea and surrounding communities feverishly attempted to grab Manning's attention as he passed by the "cancer zone".

There was no shortage of police as demonstrators held their placards, showcasing their red "No Smelter" T-shirts and chanting: "Cancer zone, no smelter!"

The Prime Minister, accompanied by bus-loads of party supporters, did not stop but seemingly acknowledged the demonstration, according to Gour. Members of the La Brea group branded Monday evening an "awareness night", screening a multimedia presentation of the effects of the proposed smelter, hoping to send a message to the Prime Minister that "the Smelter is not welcome here". According to Gour, residents of Vessigny, Union Village, Vance River, Sobo and surrounding communities are to be tested every two years for cancer and other aluminium smelter-related illnesses. "We are saying we do not want to be under that duress. They are infringing on our rights as human beings. The psychological and emotional effects on our children and grandchildren will be too much for us," said Gour. As the Prime Minister drove past the demonstration after the Point Fortin meeting, the members once again attempted to attract his attention, but this time, his vehicle did not even slow down. Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161516301