T&T: Hunger strike nears end

Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh

Tue, December 04, 2012 - 5:45 PM

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Dec 4, CMC – Environmentalist Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh Tuesday said he is prepared to end his 20-day old hunger strike over the construction of a highway in south Trinidad on certain conditions even as a prominent attorney called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to have him arrested on a charge of attempted suicide.

"I am optimistic once there is a good outcome which accepts our submissions, we will end this act," Kublalsingh said.

The 53-year-old environmentalist and his Highway Re-route Movement (HRM) have been objecting to the construction of the Debe to Mon Desir segment of the TT$7.2 billion (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) highway linking San Fernando to Point Fortin in the south.

They contend that the construction would destroy the environment in the area as well as uproot many families that have resided on the lands there for many years.

On Monday night Prime Minister Persad Bissessar, speaking at a public meeting of the United National Congress (UNC), the biggest partner in the four-party coalition People’s Partnership government, called on the University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer to reconsider his hunger strike in light of the outcome of the meeting between Works Minister Emmanuel George and the Joint Consultative Council (JCC).