DRP issues warning not to politicize on the ground relief efforts

Leader of the Democratic Republican Party (DRP) Anesia Baptiste has warned against the politicizing of the relief efforts on the ground.{{more}}

In a release issued earlier this week, Baptiste said “Let us remember that the assistance from foreign countries is for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and not for the government. Therefore, relief supplies must not be used, in any way, as an election gimmick.” Baptiste counselled.

“It is not my opinion, but a proven fact that discrimination on the grounds of political affiliation took place during past disasters, where non-supporters of the governing party had difficulty accessing help, despite their qualification for assistance. This must not happen again. I strongly condemned this action then and will do so again this time, if necessary.” Baptiste warned.

“The Government must remember that it is the Government, not only of its supporters, but of all the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and that everybody who needs help must get it, regardless of political affiliation. Its workers in the disaster relief effort must be made to understand this also, so that they may work professionally to assist those in need and not party friends and supporters who do not have need.

“In order to prevent this corruption, it is crucial that we ensure the management of relief efforts is not put into the hands of political party hacks,” Baptiste further stated.

“The DRP will investigate any serious claims of such politicizing of this process and expose them accordingly in the interest of fairness and justice for ALL our hurting and needy people at this time,” the release said.

“Furthermore, we call upon Vincentians to be reflective at this time and to look to the heavenly Holy Father YHWH God for comfort and guidance going forward. May our people be repentant or turn away from our sins of lawlessness, crime and violence, and ask God to change our characters that we may live upright lives before him and live loving with our fellowmen, respecting their rights and freedoms,” Baptiste appealed.

The DRP, in collaboration with New York Based Community Group JEMS Hope for Home, members of the Thusia Seventh day Adventist Church and other anonymous contributors, provided assistance in the form of water, food, clothing, shoes and gift bags for children to two of the Shelters in Buccament and Rose Bank on December 27. On December 29, members of the DRP took clothing, shoes and bottled water to the Community Center/shelter in Spring Village to assist survivors there.

The team from the DRP also led persons at the shelter in prayer and biblical exhortation.

Baptiste expressed gratitude to all agencies (local and foreign) and governments, including neighbouring islands such as Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada and Barbados. Baptiste is also thankful for all the efforts of Vincentians and other friends in the diaspora. She also commends the work of local Vincentians and friends in assisting the CWSA in their work to restore pipe borne water after the disaster.