Finance Minister Winston Dookeran said he is saddened over environmentalist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh’s continued hunger strike, but believes Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has done all she can. Acknowledging that time was running out on Kublalsingh’s life as his health continues to deteriorate, Dookeran said he was still trying mediation efforts.
On Friday, Kublalsingh dismissed pleas by heads of the Inter-Religious Organisation to give up his protest action and as he entered day 26 without food and water, he showed no signs of relenting. Instead, he insisted that Government halt the construction of the Debe to Mon Desir leg of the $7.5 Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway extension until further studies are done.
Speaking on Kublalsingh’s defiance, Dookeran said: “I am really, deeply saddened by his current state. I did attempt and continue to allow for the mediation process to be initiated. The Prime Minister had agreed that such a process could be initiated and I am deeply saddened that yesterday’s encounter did not allow that to take place.
“I know time is very much limited in this respect and I do hope that it will happen. I spoke to everyone within Mr Kublalsingh’s family as well as within the Government, so I am trying to encourage that. I still hope for the best, but I am deeply saddened.” Asked whether the Persad-Bissessar should personally intervene, he said : “I think she has done what she could do at this point in time.”
