First off, let me declare that I support the present Government.

Secondly, let me immediately put it on the table how disgusted I've been feeling about the constant hammering the Government has been getting almost from day one of coming to office.

Despite those things, before now I have not come out in the open to defend the Government, or to show my support, if you want me to put it that way instead.

However, the Express Editorial yesterday has convinced me now is the time for me to lift my voice because I never, ever expected to read an Editorial like that at any time in the next 15, 20, maybe 40 years this Government will be in office.

The Editor of the Express must be commended for getting up the gumption to write a piece which comprehensively reprimands Ancel Roget and his Oilfields Workers' Trade Union executive, especially considering how the Express has been having a rollicking time trying to keep the Government on its toes for the past 24 months.

I see no need to go into the details of that here, so it's better to let that dog sleep.

In any case, newspapers must do what they have to do to survive in a world where print media is losing ground irreversibly to the informal methods of newsgathering and reporting.

Like I said, I just want to congratulate the Express on its coming alive to the reality many of us who belong to the sane portion of Trinidad and Tobago's population have grasped a long time now, which is that many unions and unionists are not fit to stand in the shadows of Cipriani, Butler, Rienzi, Sutton, Crichlow and those early giants.

I hope the Editorial isn't a case of just one swallow flying by to make me feel summer is near.

So, I will conclude by quoting what the Editorial said: "is Mr Roget merely intent on causing more disruption to ordinary citizens"? And, "the OWTU members might to do well to query their leader's motives, especially given his previously stated intent to oppose the present political administration". And, "The question for union members, therefore, is a simple one: is their leader seeking their best interests through this action?"

The majority of the population have long made up their minds that the last question also applies to them.

That's why, to answer your query, they have loudly said no.

Preston Maximus King

St James