Environmentalist Dr Peter Vine was arrested yesterday, as he attempted to prevent engineers from conducting soil tests near the Claxton Bay jetty.

Vine, along with several Pranz Gardens residents, clashed with police officers who formed a human barricade, blocking them from getting to the site where tests were being done for the construction of a port to be used by ESSAR Steel Limited.

However, ’Vine made his way through the barricade and tried to reason with the engineers to stop the testing’, the Express was told. That was when the officers handcuffed and carried him to the Couva Police Station. Up to late yesterday no charges were laid against him.

Vine has been leading protests against the construction of a steel mill in the area. Tests were being conducted to make way for the construction of a port near the Claxton Bay jetty and fish market.

Residents have staged several protests against the construction. And fishermen have complained that their livelihood would be at risk, since it was learned the mangrove would be removed to make way for the port.

Residents will host a public consultation on construction of the steel mill at Claxton Bay Junction on Sunday.