STRUCTURE GRENADA AID

ON-the-Ground distribution  of Trinidad and Tobago’s aid (food, water and clothing), to hurricane struck Grenada, should be on the basis of an existing official or carefully worked out system of identification. This is in view of increasing reports that many residents have benefited several times, while some have received little and yet others have claimed that they have received nothing. The putting into effect of an identification system would ensure a more equitable distribution of desperately needed supplies, rather than the present procedure under which it has been alleged some receive disproportionate amounts while others go without.

Failure to organise and implement an acceptable method of distribution, particularly of food and water, can lead to social disquiet and charges of either favouritism or outright corruption. Trinidad and Tobago and its representatives, if only because they have been at the forefront of rescue missions to Grenada, are actively involved in the actual day- to-day distribution process, are at risk of being held responsible for any shortcomings in the service provided. This can lead to the sowing of anti-Trinidad and Tobago feelings, although those in the firing line of criticism are as much victims of a culture that has driven several unthinkingly selfish residents to demand more than a reasonable share, as those who have been forced to do without.

Clearly, the relief supplies have been insufficient in a country in which 90 percent of its homes have been destroyed and all Grenada residents have been affected by Hurricane Ivan, whether directly or indirectly. In addition, there is a limit to what this country can, with reason, be expected to provide. Any attempt at establishing a proper identification procedure will mean the photographing of adults as well as teenagers above the age of 14 and issuing them with cards. These ID cards will then be required for presentation whenever individual requests for aid are made. Any such identification system would not normally be necessary had the question of aid to hapless Grenadians been a short term measure. Unfortunately, because of the massive injury done to the country’s infrastructure, housing, small manufacturers, shops and agriculture, including nutmeg and related mace exports, relief measures must be viewed in the medium term.

This means that greater emphasis will have to be placed on the setting up of procedures structured to ensure that relief flows to the majority instead of the few, and the whole humanitarian aid process is not corrupted. The payments of insurance for properties which were destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Ivan, whether businesses, private homes or even buildings belonging to the State, could mean the distribution of perhaps billions of dollars to cover the losses, and across the country labour intensive reconstruction. Much of this would be in reinsurance. This would see a substantial amount of foreign exchange flowing into Grenada, add to the island’s foreign exchange levels and allow it to pay in the short term for needed imports.