PETER MARINE, head honcho of the Mayaro/Guayaguayare Unemployed Organisation & Concerned Citizens (MGUOCC), has strongly denied allegations that he demands sex from women who come to him seeking employment.

This denial comes in the face of the resignation of a female employee from his company, Maintenance Advantage, over charges of sexual harassment.

It also follows numerous complaints from several unemployed women in the Mayaro and Guayaguayare communities.

The palatial mansion.

Marine, however, has called the allegations “a smear campaign”, which he said has been mounted against him because of the mansion he built not too long ago.

He recently held a lavish thanksgiving at the home located in Mafeking, Mayaro.

The well-known contractor further disclosed to TnT Mirror that his rise from rags to riches has brought about major jealousy among the many persons in his community whom he put on their feet by giving them employment.

“You know how much of them I gave work and now they turn ‘round and spreading all kinds of rumours about me,” Marine, who is also a CEPEP contractor, angrily stated.

“What sex they talking about?

“I have never disrespected women who come looking for work; ask anyone of them who working with me right now!”

“He should never hold such a powerful position in the community (president of MGUOCC).

“He feels women who come looking for work are powerless and he’s entitled to use all kinds of dirty remarks.

“He just doesn’t know how to speak to people.”

She explained that many women are forced to undergo “the nonsense” because they are in need.

“You know the kind of community we live in; many of the women are also single parents,” she added.

In his further defence, the annoyed Marine, a close associate of People’s National Movement (PNM) MP for Ortoire/Mayaro Franklin Khan and Councillor for the area Matthew Pierre, boasted to Mirror about the great contributions he has been making to the deep south-eastern community.

“I can’t understand why some people saying that about me,” he snapped.

“But I know where it coming from; it coming from another group of people who want to control things up here.”

He reiterated his concern that his palatial mansion has brought people sleepless night.

“When I was building houses for others, the community remained silent,” he continued.

“I build ah house on meh own for a man costing $78,000 and I even keep thanksgiving for him, but they said nothing.

“Now I build my own house and everybody talking.”

He slammed: “Is jealous they jealous me.”

The embattled Marine, who is facing the High Court on a criminal charge, was recently served a two-week suspension notice (March 21 - April 3) by the central executive of the MGUOCC, which prevents him from carrying out his duties as first vice-president (Central Executive) and president (Mayaro Branch) of the organisation.

He reportedly violated a decision by the organisation that the central executive must recognise and approve all correspondence carrying MGUOCC’s letterhead.

Marine reportedly dispatched an embarrassing and threatening letter to bpTT’s head Robert Riley.

He has also been accused of receiving $50,000, a donation from bpTT to MGUOCC, to keep a “fisherman fete”, but for which he has allegedly not accounted.

He denied the allegations and has asked that his name be cleared of that charge.

The powerful MGUOCC is recognised by all major oil companies operating in the Mayaro and Guayaguayare areas as the body solely responsible for training and recruitment of workers.