DeFreitas says people should not be scared away from pickets and Tuesday’s action has already reaped results
On the heels of a successful “People’s Picket” on Tuesday, March 22, one of its organisers, Franz deFreitas, says he is pleased at the turnout, but disappointed that many residents felt afraid and intimidated to join the protest.
DeFreitas, the United Progressive Party (UPP) Candidate for St. John’s City South, says the people should not be intimidated by politicians who are in place to serve them.
He reminds them that the right to protest and picket is vested in the Constitution, and they are, therefore, entitled to participate in such events.
DeFreitas says that fear of retaliation and losing their jobs should not deter nationals and residents from standing up for their rights.
Meanwhile, deFreitas took the time to thank the hundreds who braved the weather and took part in the picket.
He says the protest has already produced some results, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne backpedaling on his position. On Tuesday, Brown announced that the prices of gas and diesel could fall when the next fuel shipment arrives on island.
The UPP Candidate says that if more people had turned out to picket, Browne would probably have immediately reverted to the original prices or taken them even lower.
