No objection from Social Care Minister

Members of the public are free to participate lawfully and peacefully in any march.

Such was the response given by Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, when asked his views about Monday’s march, which took place through sections of The City.

Thousands took part in this activity, which was led by the Trade Union movement and the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA). The march, which was followed by a rally in Queen’s Park, was in protest of the recent hike in the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL).

Blackett was at the time speaking on the sidelines of the Community Development Department’s opening ceremony for the Community Technology Programme (CTP). This occurred on Tuesday at the Gall Hill Community Centre, Gall Hill, St. John.

“Regarding the marches, last time I checked this was a democratic society. People are free to participate lawfully and peacefully in marches. That is one of the avenues that people can vent.”

He continued, “If I take the lead from our leader, Prime Minister Stuart, he is the Minister with the responsibility for National Security and he has never in any form or fashion hindered any marches, hindered any free expressions from within the communities. People are just free to do what they like, once they do it within the four corners of the law. I certainly would not [want to] be part of any government that stifles or hinders free expression as long as it is done within the law; and I am just taking the lead from our Prime Minister and leader.” (MG)