Abdulah says race politics makes Bret’s destruction look like ‘dolly house activity’

Referring to Friday’s heated debate rife with allegations of racism from both sides of the floor in Parliament, Abdulah charged it was disgusting, disgraceful, demeaning and destructive.

“What took place on Friday with allegations of name calling and racism being thrown, that must stop.

The destruction of that kind of politics to the society and the development of TT would make the destruction of Bret look like dolly house activity,” Abdulah said.

He made the comments during a press conference at MSJ’s headquarters at St Joseph’s Village, San Fernando.

He emphasised that there can be absolutely no petty party politicking over the suffering of people adding both the UNC and PNM political parties are guilty of it.

Commenting on the relief responses from the authorities in light of the tropical storm, the political leader said it was inadequate and inappropriate.

It seemed, he said, that first responders such as the ODPM and regional corporations waited for the storm to hit and then to mobilise to go into affected communities Apart from what he said was a mobilisation slow in coming, Abdulah noted that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s response was equally slow.

“Even though he may have been in touch by phone in Tobago, in a situation like this, we needed to have all hands on deck from the highest level of government all the way down to the councillors,” Abdulah said.

Saying the relief efforts should not be the responsibility of government alone, he called on the business community and citizens to provide relief to those affected by the storm.

“We do want to congratulate and thank all those who brought relief to those affected.

This country has been courting disaster by the way in which we behave. We dump stuff in rivers and pretend it is not going to affect us when it fact it does,” Abdulah said.

As such, Abdulah called for the immediate passage of the Beverage Container Bill which would keep a lot of the bottles out of watercourses. He further called on behalf of the party, for a review on the issue of quarrying as well as for the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and Town and Country Planning to enforce proper practices.

“We need building codes to be passed and enforced so people can build homes in accordance with standards that would avoid and minimise things like roofs being blown off. Some businesspeople develop real estate without concern for the fact they are blocking water courses,” Abdulah said.

The leader recalled that about seven years ago, he too experienced flooding at his Couva home and so he can relate to the affected persons.

“It is really a horrendous experience, a terrible experience, something that no one wishes on anyone to have happen to them,” Abdualah added.

As local Muslims joined in with Muslims around the world yesterday to celebrate Eidul- Fitr, Abdulah offered best wishes. He also hoped that the fasting they endured during the holy month of Ramadan strengthened their spirit and resolve to continue to make TT a better country