Residents apologise to Tank-Weld

Norman Grindley
Tank-Weld's General Manager Bruce Bicknell (centre) explains the events that led to the August 27 violent protest just outside the company's gates. He is flanked by one of his directors Arnold Aiken (left), and Carmen Brown, a resident of the Seaward Drive community.

MEMBERS OF the Seaward Drive community in St. Andrew apologised publicly yesterday to the management of Tank-Weld Company, for their violent behaviour two weeks ago, following the death of an employee, Warren Brown, whose body was found at the company's plant.

The apology was meant to restore the good relations that the company and community have had over many years.

"The Seaward Land Develop-ment Committee Limited, the Seaward Youth Club and all the residents of Seaward Drive would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the management and staff of Tank-Weld for all that transpired after the death of Warren Brown," said Carmen Brown, a representative of the community.

Angry residents stormed the Tank-Weld plant on August 27, smashing the windscreens of 14 trucks and setting fire to two trailer cabs, causing over $2 million in damage.

A female employee was also grazed by a bullet during the violent protests which forced the plant to close for the day.

Arnold Aiken, one of the company's directors, said the internal investigation into Mr. Brown's death was still continuing and that the supervisor who was sent on leave, remains off the job.

The company they attacked has been assisting residents of Seaward Drive for decades.

"Our work with the Seaward Primary and Junior High, a school with 1,500 students, illustrates our approached to community development. There we have undertaken a major programme of infrastructual upgrading," explained Bruce Bicknell, the company's general manager.

Responding to questions about compensation for Mr. Brown's family, chief executive officer, Chris Bicknell, said: "We have responded to the immediate needs, that is, undertaking the full responsibility of the funeral."

Mr. Brown is expected to be buried on Sunday, at the Meadowrest Memorial Park, St. Catherine.

According to Miss Brown, residents resented how they were treated when Tank-Weld began its expansion.

"Many were bitter because after dwelling in the community for generations they face being thrown into the streets. So the death of a much loved community member under unusual circumstances was like the straw that broke the camel's back," she said.

Bruce Bicknell pointed out that handouts were a temporary and shortsighted solution to the existing problems in the inner city.

"The (private sector members) must determine how they can provide opportunities to lift the standard of living there and foster a partnership for development. In many instances people in the inner city feel neglected by the wider society. They are an important part of our country and deserve a chance to become part of the development process," the general manager said.

He also called on inner-city communities to take up the challenge of working with the private sector to improve their lives.

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