Moonilal calls on the Rowley-led Administration to be proactive in the aftermath of Bret
In light of the on-going disaster caused by Tropical Storm Bret, CEPEP resources should be assigned to assist in clearing clogged water courses, removing debris, cleaning affected homes and undertaking other essential and urgent duties.
The Government should immediately reposition the required number of CEPEP contractors away from their routine functions and into hard-hit communities where distressed residents are struggling with the aftermath of the storm.
The widespread damage bought by the storm requires extensive clean-up, repair and remedial work, and CEPEP is well-placed to provide such assistance.
I urge the Government to immediately reassign such resources on a needs basis.
I also call on the Government to provide emergency funding to registered farmers who have had their crops wrecked by the impact of the storm. The livelihood of hundreds of farmers has been ruined by the massive floods, falling trees and blocked water courses.
The accumulated losses to the farming community will amount to millions of dollars. This is also likely to lead to a short supply of vegetables, fruits and other agricultural produce, which could result in increased retail prices to consumers.
The Government should immediately intervene with the farming community, provide emergency funds and technical and other assistance that may be required.
I call upon the Government to be proactive with respect to these urgent matters in order to seek to minimise the damaging and costly impact of the destructive storm.