Major disaster

Sinanan said while it is difficult at this time to get a clear picture of what has happened in Matelot and environs, there is no doubt that this is, “a major disaster” and things are getting worse. He said the rain was still falling and until it stops, it would not be possible to make a proper assessment of what has transpired. Sinanan said he had only just returned from Tobago yesterday where his ministry had been doing some work. Sinanan also said he would be giving Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley a report on what has happened in northeast Trinidad but was certain that Rowley was already aware of the situation.

He added that the ministry was also taking two bailey bridges to the area. Sinanan said this exercise would not just involve cleaning but also some rebuilding as well.The Cabinet holds its weekly meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair today and decisions could be made about further assistance to Matelot and environs.Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein said he was going up yesterday to get a “first hand” look at the damage.

Hosein said the preliminary information he has received suggests that this is a crisis. The minister said he spoke with Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon, who has appealed to him for help. Saying he wanted to take a “hands on” approach and this was why he was going to north-east Trinidad yesterday, Hosein said he was aware that two backhoes which Rondon requested have been sent to Sangre Grande.

Hosein also said his ministry will be coordinating relief efforts with the Works and Transport Ministry, TT Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Managament (ODPM) and other agencies currently on the ground in north-east Trinidad. He said resources from the neighbouring Arima Borough Corporation and the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation to bolster those from the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.

“We will do whatever we can to help,” Hosein said.