ESCTT to hold fund-raiser for Haiti

President of ESCTT Khafra Kambon yesterday expressed his deepest condolences to the people of Haiti who have lost loved ones following the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew.

In a press release, Kambon said Haiti provided not only the inspiration and the environment for the enslaved to win their freedom, but also practical assistance to all who fought for freedom. He said the film will be aired on October 23 and will depict one of the most dramatic revolts of enslaved Africans in the American South, the Nat Turner Rebellion. “We urge our members, affiliate community-based organisations, supporters and associated individuals to give generously in support of the cause for the development of Haiti, following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew,” He continued, “The global African community, including us in Trinidad and Tobago, owe a debt to Haiti for having initiated the downfall of chattel slavery by defeating the most powerful armies of Europe at the time and establishing the first free Republic in the western hemisphere, at great sacrifice to the Haitian people.” Kambon also noted that Latin America owes its freedom to the support which Haiti gave to Simon Bolivar to mount a successful assault against colonial domination in that region.

He also said the ESCTT congratulates the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister for the establishment of the Haiti Fund which will facilitate donations through member banks and urges all citizens to give generously.

Tickets will be available at the ESCTT office 5B Bergerac Road, Maraval and through executive members or contact the office at 628-5008 or 678-9983, 680- 5221.

Matthew, the Category 4 storm, one of the strongest Caribbean hurricanes in years, was carrying winds of 145 mph when it made landfall on October 4, on the southwestern tip of Haiti.

Matthew has left more than 900 people dead and 350,000 in need of basic supplies such as water, clothes, pots and pans, sheets, and of course food stuff.

Thousands are homeless as their roofs have been ripped off, trees have been toppled and streets flooded.