Govt washes hands of woman under tree

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has taken no interest in the case of a woman who has been living under a tree in Laventille after her house collapsed on Carnival Tuesday. East Dry River mother of six, Marlene Andrews, continues to sleep under the stars after her house came crashing down more than a month ago.

When approached on the issue, Junior Finance Minister Christine Sahadeo washed her hands of the issue, stating that Government ministers “need to be responsible.” She stated the matter was not brought to her attention, adding that “it is not my portfolio.” She also indicated that there are facilities to deal with these types of matters. Notes passed to Social Services Minister Christine Kangaloo and Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Joan Yuille-Williams at the Upper House yesterday went unanswered.

Calls made to the office of the MP for the area Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds were greeted with “the minister is not in office.” Andrews, of Upper Laventille Road, East Dry River and her 12-year-old daughter Shirnel have been sleeping on a mattress under a tree, while her other children are housed by neighbours and friends until she can find alternative living conditions.