TT citizens step up to assist victims of Ivan

HURRICANE Ivan yesterday caused heavy rainfall, wind, thunder and lightning, wreaking havoc in Tobago and leaving several families in need of shelter and basic necessities. In the wake of the hurricane, the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) the Trinidad Red Cross Society and the Port Authority have embarked on a relief programme to assist the affected areas. In addition, the agencies are seeking to bring relief to Grenada, which was hard hit by Ivan. Speaking to Newsday yesterday, manager of Port Authority’s Safety, Health and Environment Department, Margaret Sampson-Birch, said the relief drive was aimed at assisting residents of both Tobago and Grenada, some of whom had lost all their possessions.

Birch-Sampson said a call was made for assistance, and corporate Trinidad responded. She noted that the first to offer their assistance was Hi-Lo Food Stores which donated foodstuff, while the Red Cross Society donated non-perishable items. Republic Bank has also stepped in, promising financial assistance to help rebuild homes for displaced citizens. Birch-Sampson urged other corporate citizens and nationals of Trinidad to assist with the relief drive, which will be concluded tomorrow at noon. She said the noon deadline was to facilitate the packing of the vessel Scout for dispatch to Grenada, where over 85 percent of the island has been seriously affected by Ivan. The first shipment of food supplies went via the MV Beauport to Tobago early yesterday, as priority was given to ensure the island received badly-needed food items in the wake of the hurricane. She said the MV Windward was also dispatched to Tobago with emergency crews such as TTEC.

Birch-Sampson said being a member of the critical task force committee, under the jurisdiction of Ministry of National Security, the Port Authority had stepped in to take up the slack caused by the closure of the airport. Other corporate entities have also stepped forward and pledged their assistance. The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) expressed concern for the welfare of Grenada nationals on hearing of the devastation. DOMA said their Grenadian colleagues have described scenes where entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed and areas where nothing has been left standing. The association noted that arrangements were being made by Tropical Shipping to have the Tropical Vessel ship take supplies to Grenada.

DOMA also noted that of supplies collected in the drive, building materials would be sent to Tobago to aid in the relief programme. The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce expressed its sympathy for our Caricom neighbours over the destruction and loss of life experienced. The Chamber stated it was on standby to offer any assistance necessary to Tobago. In addition, it is coordinating efforts to supply relief supplies to Grenada. The listing of items being sought for Grenada and Tobago include plastic sheeting, blankets, bed sheets, non-perishable foods, bottled water, toiletries, sanitary napkins and roofing materials such as lumber, galvanized sheeting and nails. These items can be sent to Shed Three at the Cruise Ship Complex on Wrightson Road, PoS, until noon tomorrow.