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Private member’s day in the House on January 23 resulted in a rambunctious sitting as Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle asked the government to take note of the socio-economic impact of increased unemployment in communities and to provide adequate and meaningful social relief measures, with both sides accusing the other of firing workers and causing an economic crisis.

Marcelle’s resolution said that mass terminations and non-renewal of contracts across public bodies, state agencies and local government entities resulted in a perceived marked increase in unemployment in several vulnerable and at-risk communities, disproportionately affecting single mothers, female-headed households, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, thereby intensifying food insecurity, school absenteeism, mental-health strain, and the risk of exploitation and social exclusion.

In piloting the motion, Marcelle said the UNC was governing with fear, evil, hate and intimidation. He said the firings had resulted in serious socio-economic shock that continues to affect thousands of households.