After her story was highlighted in the Sunday Guardian last week, terminated ArcelorMittal worker Joanette Pariag says she is grateful for the outpouring of support from good Samaritans in the country.
Pariag said she had been receiving calls from members of the public who offered assistance to her and her 21-year-old daughter, Jade.
But while she is thankful for the assistance, especially for her daughter, she said many callers had some harsh and negative words to say. Pariag said she was a bit disappointed that some people appeared to be genuine but as the telephone conversation progressed, they started asking her very personal questions which made her uncomfortable. She said she had to politely let them know she would end the telephone call.
Pariag said, “I am thankful to all those who have contacted me and given support. I received lots of calls this past week from family, friends and the public.”
She said she is also considering taking up a job with an insurance company. Two popular insurance companies have offered her employment as an insurance agent.
Pariag, 54, lost her job as a port coordinator in March. She worked at the steel manufacturing company for 36 years. She and hundreds of other former workers are still awaiting their pension.
As a result of her mother’s job loss, Jade was forced to withdraw from university for six months.
Jade placed first in the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) in 2006.
After completing her secondary education at Naparima Girls’ High School, she started her degree in medicine at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, campus.
However, after the company closed operations and sent home over 600 workers without any compensation, it became a financial strain for Pariag to continue paying Jade’s monthly expenses.
Fortunately, this past week, a doctor offered Jade her medical textbooks, once they are the ones in use. Also, a community-based organisation said she was a winner of the SEA and considered a human resource who would give back to T&T; the organisation therefore committed to her education expenses while many others stepped forward with help.
Pariag said, “Jade and I are truly thankful. We appreciate the assistance that we received and that there are still good people out there.”