By Joan Rampersad Monday, October 19 2009

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Opposition senator Wade Mark, centre, with Dr Tim Gopeesingh left, and Vasant Bharat at yesterday's press conference....

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The Opposition is expected to file a motion today on “the wholesale exploitation and oppression of Chinese nationals in Trinidad and Tobago,” said opposition Senator Wade Mark.

Speaking at a press conference at the office of the Leader of the Opposition in Port-of-Spain, Mark said the debate was needed because it was of “urgent public importance.”

Mark said the living and working conditions of Chinese nationals were disgraceful and inhumane.

“It is clearly a violation of these migrant workers, labour and human rights. The Government must take full responsibility along with contractors,” he said.

He added “The Government is in clear violation of the International Labour Organisation’s convention No 97 (1949) which deals with migration for employment as well as ILO convention No 143 (1975) that deals with migrant workers.”

Noting that the Government never signed or ratified these two conventions even though TT is a signatory and member of the ILO, he called on the Government to ratify these conventions.

Mark also wants the Government to meet with NATUC, ECA and FITUN as well as other organisations to address the question of migrant labour.

With regard to the protest by Beetham residents over last week’s killing of Fabian Mauge, 26, and Ricky Roberts, 25, by police, Mark said what happened there was a national tragedy, bordering on inhumane and criminal conduct. He said that nothing short of an independent enquiry by a coroner will satisfy the growing anger and frustration of Beetham residents.

“There can be no justification by the law enforcement agencies of this country and the use of excessive force against unarmed and defenceless citizens,” he said, adding, “it is unforgivable, indefensible and inexcusable for the heavy hand of the law to be used in such a brutal fashion in which two lives were snuffed out.”