MR. Malcolm Harripaul in a letter published in the Kaieteur News of April 23, expressed his view that I was coerced to function as a protester. I wish to convey to him that this is not true. Ms. Priya Manickchand did not force us to protest. She addressed us on the implications for contract workers with respect to Mr. Ramjattan’s proposed parliamentary motion. We had the option not to protest.

Mr. Harripaul described me, in relation to my past, as a valiant fighter. I wish to assure him that I have not changed. I took to the streets on my own inclination as a fighter for the poor.

My placard read: ‘Do not take away the jobs of cleaners and drivers’.

I choose to walk with it. Nobody gave it to me.

I was not ashamed to be on the streets. I am ashamed at the small minds of those cutting budgets so the poor man can be cut down.