PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has stoutly defended herself against mounting criticism over remarks that aid to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) badly hit by Tropical Storm must bring benefits to her country.
The Trinidadian leader, now five months into office, told journalists here that under a new partnership with the private sector called “Helping Hands”, emergency assistance and reconstruction efforts will be offered to Caribbean nations in need rather than cash.
“The government expects that this approach will be a boost to the local construction industry whilst simultaneously assisting those persons who are in urgent need of these supplies,” Persad Bissessar said. “The accruing benefit to local business will place Trinidad and Tobago in a healthier economic circumstance,” she added.
The Trinidadian leader said she will join “a team of ministers, military, technical, engineering and partnering organisations” on a visit to St. Lucia to gain a first-hand look at the devastation caused by Hurricane Tomas.
“Trinidad and Tobago as a responsible friend and partner stands solidly behind the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts of our CARICOM neighbours who were devastated by Hurricane Tomas,” she said in remarks at the start of a news conference.
“We have created a model of support that will involve contributions from government, local business and NGOs. This initiative will be integrated with a new policy of emergency assistance that sees the Trinidad and Tobago government sourcing and providing much needed relief supplies to affected islands from local partners where available.”
The Helping Hands project “removes the burden for huge cash donations from the government in these challenging economic times while allowing us to provide much needed assistance to our neighbouring brothers and sisters swiftly and effectively,” the Trinidadian leader said. (CMC)
