Henry Awaits Report on Palisadoes Talks

KINGSTON — Minister of Transport and Works, the Hon Mike Henry, says he is awaiting a comprehensive report from meetings being held among stakeholders to the US$65 million Palisadoes Shoreline Protection and Rehabilitation Programme, over recent days, following major hitches caused mainly by violent intimidation on the project site.

Mr. Henry, who is on official business in Trinidad and Tobago, says he has been in touch with various stakeholders, but intends to fully address the issue after analysing the comprehensive report expected after the meetings are completed.

Mr. Henry brought the security concerns of main contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), to the attention of the Police Commissioner.

In response to the Opposition’s claim that the security issues were being used to mask other issues there, Mr. Henry said strong-arm tactics were long-established and integral features of the constituency.

"Those who don’t know it and never expected such issues to arise on the mega project just don’t exist. Everybody knows how East Kingston politics operates and who have flexed the real muscles there, traditionally. So to deny the undeniable is pretty much futile, I believe," the Minister said.

He added that it was in the national interest for the project to be completed, without any repetition of the level of intimidation that has recently emerged, saying that was his goal in going forward. However, he said the sources of the problems need to be fully addressed, to minimise the likelihood of repetition.

He also cited the need for the police report on the matter to be brought into the picture, especially since the Member of Parliament (MP) has dismissed all assertions of criminal involvement by political elements in the problems on the worksite.

The minister said from the overall report that is expected, he intends to chart an amicable way forward.

By Balford Henry, JIS Reporter & Editor