$10M for Jamaica

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago was yesterday expected to make a financial contribution to Jamaica aimed at alienating the distress of the Jamaican population as a consequence of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Ivan. Government sources told Newsday that Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who journeyed to Jamaica yesterday, was expected to tell his Jamaican counterpart, PJ Patterson, that Trinidad and Tobago would give TT $10 million to that country. In addition to the financial contribution, Manning was also due to present emergency supplies to the government of Jamaica. Unlike the Grenada situation, however, Trinidad and Tobago was not requested to provide any soldiers to help with the maintenance of law and order in Jamaica.

The proposed assistance to Jamaica is in addition to what the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has already pledged to the government of Grenada and the government of St Vincent and the Grenadians to aid in their reconstruction. Manning has promised TT $10 million to both countries, the bulk of which would go to Grenada. Apart from this, Trinidad and Tobago had also sent across technicians to Grenada to assist in the refurbishment of the infrastructure and a battalion of soldiers to help in the maintenance of law and order. Trinidad and Tobago had the good fortune of not suffering any significant damage as a result of hurricane Ivan and has therefore been able to concentrate its efforts on assisting its sister Caricom countries.

Manning, who was accompanied by National Security Minister Martin Joseph, was due to return from Jamaica at 11 o’clock last night. The PM holds a news conference today at noon at Whitehall to give an update on his visit to Jamaica and his visit on Sunday to Kelly Village. No information is yet available on whether Government would provide similar financial relief to Cuba, which though not ravaged, was affected by hurricane Ivan. Manning has just returned from having successful pacemaker insertion and laser surgery. Trinidad and Tobago enjoys good relations with the government of Cuba.