Thursday, December 7, 2006

by Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad and Tobago Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: A major aluminum smelter symposium has begun in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

This comes at the same time as a raging debate over the setting up of smelter plants in the country announced by Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

There are arguments for and against the idea, which has forced the government to host a symposium to get the views of the public on the issue.

A number of anti-smelter groups and environmentalists in the country have condemned the government's move on smelters, citing serious health risks associated the venture.

Prime Minister Manning has sought to defend his administration's decision by saying that citizens stand to benefit in a big way, as the move will bring huge economic benefits to the country by providing temporary and permanent jobs both at the construction stage as well as in downstream industries.

"I have not heard one new idea to cause us to change our minds on smelters in Trinidad and Tobago," the Prime Minister is quoted as telling a group in Port of Spain.

He also said government will debate the issue in Parliament.

Manning also sees the setting up of smelter plants as having the effect of moving the country to what he termed "full employment".

This view, however, does not sit well with some. Many have also indicated that they have taken no comfort from the Prime Minister's words that "smelters are safe".

A number of anti-smelters groups and environmentalists are also planning massive protests against the government's decision.

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