Oropouche West MP Slams Government Lackluster Response to Flooding

The chronic heartlessness displayed by the Rowley led Government has to come to an end. I condemn the lacklustre performance by the PNM, yet again, during times of crisis and chaos in this country. This week due to heavy rainfall the Oropouche West Constituency has been severely affected by flooding.

During the month of June we were dealt a heavy blow by Tropical Storm Bret and it is evident the Government has not learnt from their previous indiscretions. Every area that was previously affected has been dealt a double blow. This means the government does not know what they are doing or that they simply do not care.

The Minister of Works and Transport when interviewed on Thursday said “there is no way to eliminate flooding and we try our best to ensure that the channels are clean, but there’s just a certain volume of water that these channels can take, especially when you have a high tide. When the tide goes down the water flows out, so these are all factors.” This inadequate response to crisis can be solely blamed by the lack of vision and leadership from the Prime Minister. He made it clear that it was not feasible for him to be in the field and that there was a ministerial team on the ground working. In fact the Honourable Prime Minister said: everything is under control”. I wonder who told him that? Perhaps he should wake up from his slumber.

The Prime Minister’s statement highlights his unpreparedness; coupled with the numerous allegations of corruption, mismanagement and wastage during his tenure, one ponders if he should remain in office.

Whilst the Prime Minister was busy selecting his choice of blue food in Tobago Constituents in Oropouche West did not have a meal.

Thankfully for the good Samaritans we are able to bring relief to the distressed constituents.

I wish to publicly commend all those who are currently working to rebuild and restore Oropouche West. I must pay a special tribute the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissesar for her astute leadership and coordination of relief efforts throughout the affect areas. Our leader was there in the trenches, boots on, comforting the people as the first responders.

Mrs. Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh, MP Member for Oropouche West