T&T: Manning, apologise

TUGBOAT operators involved in the berthing of liquid natural gas tankers at Atlantic LNG's Point Fortin port, want a public apology from Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

The demand has come in response to Manning's statements during a breakfast meeting on Wednesday that he would be ordering an investigation to find out why tug crews took industrial action at the same time that construction workers stopped work on ALNG's Train 4 expansion project.

Spokesman for the tug operators Edward Preddie said yesterday Manning 's comments had demoralised the crews.

"He has belittled us and made the public think we are illiterate. Our issues have nothing to do with LNG and we suggests that he get his facts right. For him to say he will be getting to the bottom of this, and that he spoke with (US President George) Bush, is unreasonable."