Police were called to the Housing Development Corporation Head Office on South Quay, Port of Spain on Friday afternoon when Political Leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots, Watson Duke, barricaded himself inside.
Mr. Duke said he was acting on behalf of the residents of East Port of Spain who he argued were being moved out of their homes to locations which were too far away. He also said the occupants of the area were not being given enough time to adjust to the idea of a change in residence or to move their belongings.
The Housing Minister, in response to queries on the scene on Friday, emphasised that the residents were quite aware of the rejuvenation plans and were in accord with them.
Mrs. Camille Robinson-Regis went on to say that she is not sure why Mr. Duke was taking such a stance except that he might be using the situation as a political stepping stone.
She suggested that ‘lawful’ residents were on board with the move, some to homes in the area while others accepted being moved further away.