Mass Job Losses Condemned Thousands Unemployed

Opposition members have strongly condemned the recent dismissal of nearly 20,000 contractors and workers from various state entities, labeling the government’s actions as “wickedness,” “vindictiveness,” and “political pettiness.” They claim that this unprecedented wave of terminations, affecting programs such as the Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme and CEPEP, has left thousands unemployed and without social support.

Specifically, the opposition points to the dismissal of over 4,600 workers from the Rural Development Company of T&T’s reforestation program and over 10,000 CEPEP workers. They highlight the timing of the dismissals, suggesting they are a calculated distraction from other issues. Furthermore, the opposition criticizes the government’s lack of severance packages or alternative employment plans for those affected, contrasting this with the approach taken during the Petrotrin restructuring. They plan to launch a legal challenge against the terminations. The opposition also questions the silence of union leaders on these mass dismissals. Government officials were unavailable for comment.