Quarry operator distances himself from alleged threat to Defence Minister

One of two quarry operators being linked to the alleged death threats issued to Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has come out fighting back.

In a brief telephone interview yesterday with Guardian Media, the quarry operator, when told his name was being bandied about in the Sturge’s Toco/Sangre Grande constituency as being one of the men behind the alleged threats, he calmly responded, “I don’t know anything about that. I don’t even know much. I hearing about the allegations but I don’t know what about that.”

On Monday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar claimed threats against Sturge were expected due to the “much-needed aggressive policing action” to root out gang activity over the past month.

The Prime Minister said the gangs are being starved of funds due to the clampdown on the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) and Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme, as well as actions taken by the police to dismantle their operations.

The alleged threat has been linked to Sturge’s refusal to install hand-picked personnel in State and constituency positions.

Alleged conspirators include a lawyer with ties to the ruling United National Congress administration, two illegal quarry operators, and a senior military officer.

The attorney was reportedly demanding the ability to select staff in Sturge’s ministry, the constituency office (where Sturge is MP), the military, and the URP.

Party sources also claimed pressure was being mounted on Sturge regarding employment, and there were plans by some individuals to stage a protest outside his constituency office, resulting in heightened security.

Asked if he has a good relationship with Sturge, the quarry operator replied, “Very good.”

Pressed on if he was questioned by the police, the quarry operator said, “No police have spoken to me.”

Following his curt response, the quarry operator abruptly ended the call.

On August 11, Persad-Bissessar had said the lives of Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, and URP programme manager Feroze Khan were also allegedly threatened.

The developments came before the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day Parade was announced amid security concerns during the State of Emergency.

Calls to Sturge’s cellphone went unanswered yesterday.

Questions directed to Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro were also not answered.