Community activist Brenan Daniel was arrested yesterday as Point Fortin and La Brea residents blocked vehicles from Brazilian construction firm Construtora OAS from exiting an asphalt plant which supplies material for the construction the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway extension to Point Fortin.
Daniel, who has been advocating for jobs for residents and contractors on the $7.5 billion project and compensation for farmers, was taken into custody by officers of the South Western Division Task Force. They said he was blocking the free flow of traffic. He was expected to be charged last night and taken to the Point Fortin Magistrates Court today.
Scores of residents gathered at the entrance of the asphalt plant in Vance River, calling for another meeting with the highway’s project manager, the National Insurance Development Company (Nidco) to discuss their issues. Speaking before his arrest, Daniel said while they respected the police, the had a right to protest. He warned if no meeting was held soon their actions would intensify.
As residents told police of their right to protest, an officer said they had a right to remove them from obstructing traffic. Daniel then told the police he had been prepared to be arrested six months ago. Asked why they took their protest to the asphalt plant, Daniel said: “If you choke a person, they have to do something to remove your hands from their throat. We see this as the chokehold and we know we will get the results we need. We will see the relevant people today to deal with the issues once and for all.”