Bus drivers’ strike hurts Schools Intellectual Chutney-Soca Monarch Competition

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Even though PTSC bus drivers were offered double the rate to transport students from their schools to Carnival City at the Queen’s Park Savannah, they decided not to, as part of their strike action.

The drivers were expected to transport close to 2,000 students from various schools, to spectate as well as compete today, at the National Schools’ Intellectual Chutney-Soca Monarch Competition.

President of the National Chutney Foundation of T&T, Dr Vijay Ramlal-Rai, said 21 schools were affected by the last-minute cancellation as some schools were expected to send up to 150 students.

“PTSC cancelled at 3.30pm (yesterday),” Dr Vijay Ramlal-Rai said. “It’s good to see children here on their own accord.”

Chairman of the National Carnival Commission, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters, said it was disappointing that all students could not attend.

“I am so sad,” he said.

Minister of Education, Anthony Garcia, did not comment on the issue during his address.