Dr Wayne Kublalsingh continues to gamble his health on the compassion, transparency and sense of justice of the People’s Partnership government and its leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Arguably, it is akin to leaving your Oreos with the Cookie Monster and expecting to come home to chocolate chips.
Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal, who was once tipped by Persad-Bissessar as her future successor, described Kublalsingh’s hunger strike as the actions of a spoilt child. And the PM is yet to directly address Kublalsingh’s call for an independent body to address the Re-Route Movement’s concerns while her letter yesterday delivered little comfort.
Last week, National Security Minister Jack Warner said that $4.5 million spent on a Laventille family day was excellent business if it saved just one life.
The life of an environmental activist, it seems, is not worth even the chance that a highway might not be completed.
Sorry, Lasana, although I usually feel you are on point, and I note the satirical tone, there is no way that Kamla, or any other T&T Prime Minister should give in to psychological blackmail. This country must never be seen to show weakness, otherwise the streets will be full of protesters on hunger strike. I feel that the government have not dealt well with the Highway Reroute Movements objections, but that does not give a person a justifiable reason to commit suicide. I admire Mr Kublasinghs passion, but he is an essential voice in T&Ts environmental movement and sacrificing himself will leave present and future governments with a free reign to plunder our countryside without a potent opposition. Kamla has recognised Kublasinghs gesture from a humanitarian standpoint, but cannot acknowledge his stance from a political position. This is a no win for Kublasingh, while it actually could improve Kamlas image as a strong leader who would not be bullied. I really hope Dr Kublasingh claims a moral victory and eats a doubles or two before its too late.