MP Ameen refuses allegations of promoting a protest at Caroni Roundabout

Member of Parliament for St. Augustine Khadijah Ameen has denied all allegations of conducting public gathering.

Thursday, 3rd June 2021

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Member of Parliament for St. Augustine Khadijah Ameen has denied all allegations of conducting public gathering to protest at the Caroni Roundabout. She said that she never invited the public to gather, protest or congregate at Caroni Roundabout, where she alleged that vendors were unfairly targeted and removed. United National Congress' MP also stated that she did not send the invitation message on WhatsApp that asked people to gather at Caroni Roundabout to support the roadside vendors.

"Breaking News: Police currently moving crab vendors from Caroni Caroni Roundabout.

MP Ameen told the Commissioner of Police that at no time during this exercise was any call made by her for persons to gather in support or to protest. She also expressed her appreciation to the Commissioner for his public commitment to communicate with the Municipal Police about Roadside vending in a release by the Corporate Communications Unit of TTPS. Furthermore, she stated that citizens are facing tough times economically and 'humanitarianism is more powerful than any law.' She said that many of the families are not begging for a handout, but instead, they are going out to make an honest living through the sale of fresh produce, crab and fish.

She stated that sometime last month, this issue came up where vendors were being threatened to be removed.

"Through the intervention of Councillor for the area Samuel Sankar, Councillor Richard Rampersad and Councillor Seema Ramsaran, the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation's Chairman gave the assurance that vendors at Caroni can continue to sell until a suitable location is found for them," stated Khadijah Ameen.

She gave the assurance that the vendors will comply with the law and appealed to the police to use discretion in carrying out their duties. Additionally, she called on Trinidad and Tobago to support local farmers and vendors in order to boost the local economy and local food production.