NEMA’s advice disregarded

SEVERAL persons yesterday disregarded the warnings by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to stay off the streets, and instead went about their “normal business” despite the country being under a Hurricane warning. Few taxis on some of the routes and some red band maxi taxis were seen plying their trade. One man was overheard enquiring from his friend if the river lime was on, while another acknowledged it was a day to stay indoors but “when you have business to do you have to do it.”

Some gas stations along the East/West corridor were opened, as were two Chinese Restaurants in down town Port-of-Spain and a few groceries. Because of the persistent activity, National Security Minister Martin Joseph, at a press briefing at NEMA’s headquarters in Tacarigua, appeared perturbed at the failure by some to heed NEMA’s warning. The Minister said it “was not the time to go and get gasoline,” while the country was under threat from Hurricane Ivan, more so since NEMA had advised persons to stay indoors. He emphasised that NEMA’s warning should have been heeded and urged persons, who didn’t have to be on the roads to get off, stay indoors and be calm and responsible.

He pointed out that the same advice was given by Prime Minister Patrick Manning in several interviews with different media houses. PM Manning’s assurance that all emergency measures were in place to deal with any major disasters, were re-emphasised by members of NEMA’s task force. NEMA co-ordiantor Joanne Persad, reiterated that all its national emergency centres both in Trinidad and Tobago were activated and will continue to be operational until today or as the situation requires.