The National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC) and the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) have condemned what they described as excessive police action during Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad on June 19.
In a joint statement, the organisations expressed concern over the armed police presence during the event, saying Labour Day should remain a space where workers and citizens can peacefully express their views.
“Labour Day is a sacred occasion for workers and their families. It is a day that commemorates the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of the working class and serves as a platform for the free and democratic expression of workers’ views and concerns,” the statement said.
The trade union bodies said while they acknowledged that permission was granted for the Labour Day march, it had become customary over the years for non-union groups and individuals to participate in the celebrations.
The statement addressed the arrest of activist Alyssa Phillips and her mother, Camille Caresquero.
NATUC General Secretary Michael Annisette said he witnessed the detention and claimed certain police officers physically roughed up the two women and pushed aside his teenage daughter while trying to detain Phillips.
“These three women did not deserve to be treated like common criminals. The excessive actions of the police were totally uncalled for, wholly unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances because the peaceful actions of these three women posed no security threat or threat to the safety of the public,” the statement said.
NATUC and JTUM said law enforcement authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights and dignity.
The organisations said the use of intimidation, excessive force, or actions that create fear among participants undermines public confidence in the police service.
They added that concerns held by the police could have been handled differently, while preserving the significance of Labour Day.
“Labour Day belongs to the workers of Trinidad and Tobago. It must never become an occasion where citizens feel threatened or intimidated for peacefully expressing their views.”
